Dr. Stuart Strahl to Lead Renowned Conservation Institution
BROOKFIELD, Ill., June 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Board of Trustees of the
Chicago Zoological Society announced today that Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D, has
been named Director of Brookfield Zoo and President of the Chicago Zoological
Society, completing an intensive search for a successor to Dr. George B. Rabb,
who led the zoo to international prominence during his 27 years as Director.
Dr. Strahl's appointment will begin August 1, 2003.
"We are absolutely delighted Dr. Stuart Strahl has accepted the leadership
of the Society and the Zoo," Edward McCormick Blair, Jr., Chairman of the
Board of Trustees, said. "With his strong background in international
conservation and environmental education, we are very confident he will ensure
Brookfield Zoo stays at the forefront of conservation and continues to be a
beloved place in the hearts and minds of its visitors. Although it is
impossible to replace someone of the stature of Dr. George Rabb, Dr. Strahl
has the qualities, skills, and experience the Board was looking for to lead
Brookfield Zoo to new heights. "
"To be chosen as CEO of a world-renowned institution of the significance
of the Chicago Zoological Society is an honor of the highest magnitude," Dr.
Strahl said. "I'm thrilled to have the opportunity to further the Society's
mission as developed under the superb leadership of Dr. George Rabb, and help
our outstanding programs and staff reach their full potential. It is
imperative that the Society continue its innovative approach to conservation,
as well as the Zoo's dedication to offering visitors creative opportunities to
experience nature and establish meaningful connections with wildlife and
conservation."
Dr. Strahl comes to Brookfield Zoo from Audubon of Florida, where he is
President and CEO. One of his major accomplishments at Audubon of Florida was
his leadership in the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan, the largest
ecological restoration initiative in history.
Dr. Strahl's conservation and zoo leadership experience has deep roots and
broad reach: prior to his work at Audubon of Florida, he served as Research
Zoologist in South America and was founding Director of Latin American
Programs for the Wildlife Conservation Society (formerly the New York
Zoological Society). In both arenas, great strides in conservation programs
and habitat preservation were made under his direction. The partnerships he
helped to develop in the United States and throughout Latin America have
resulted in the preservation of millions of acres of wildlife habitat and
billions of dollars in conservation funding.
"In Dr. Strahl, I believe we have found an outstanding leader who is both
a dedicated conservationist and experienced manager," Dr. Rabb said. "Many
challenges face zoos as well as the wild creatures and wild places of the
world, and it will take dynamic leadership to meet those challenges. Dr.
Strahl's background, skills, and experience ensure that he will be the kind of
leader who will succeed. I am pleased to be handing the reins of our beloved
institution to a professional of this caliber."
Dr. Rabb has been Director of Brookfield Zoo since 1976, and during that
time led the Zoo's pursuit of its mission to help people develop a sustainable
and harmonious relationship with nature on local, national, and international
levels. Through his vision, Dr. Rabb has championed the evolution of zoos from
menageries to zoological parks to conservation centers through the World Zoo
Conservation Strategy and in many other ways. As the new Director, Dr. Strahl
is committed to maintain and further the Zoo's leadership position as one of
the world's foremost conservation centers, its focus on serving more than 2
million visitors each year, and its esteemed position as a scientific and
educational institution with an international reputation for innovation,
inspiration, and accomplishment in conservation.
Brookfield Zoo is known throughout the world for its innovative,
naturalistic, multi-species exhibits, its international role in animal
population management and wildlife conservation and its devotion to helping
people develop a sustainable and harmonious relationship with nature. Open
every day of the year, Brookfield Zoo is located off First Avenue between the
Stevenson (I-55) and Eisenhower (I-290) expressways, just 14 miles west of
downtown Chicago. The zoo is also accessible via the Tri-State Tollway (I-
294), Metra commuter line, and PACE bus service. For further information about
Brookfield Zoo, visit http://www.brookfieldzoo.org .
SOURCE Brookfield Zoo
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.brookfieldzoo.org
CONTACT:
Lee Haines, Public Relations of Brookfield
Zoo, +1-708-485-0263, ext. 335
|
