Zoo Announces Immediate Steps for Fulfilling Jeff Swanagan's Vision
Media Alert: Monday, June 29, 2009
Contact:
CONTACT:
Patty Peters
Associate Zoo Director Community Relations
Office: 614-645-3411
Cell: 614-917-3949
patty.peters@columbuszoo.org
Powell, OH – The Columbus Zoo Board of Directors, staff and volunteers spent the day remembering their good friend, professional colleague, and visionary leader while addressing the task of planning for the future.
Zoo staff and volunteers were notified last evening of Jeff’s passing and received an update from the Board this morning at 9 am. A grief counselor was also made available to members of the Zoo staff.
“The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is more than a place to go and see animals – it is an amazing, vibrant community” Board of Directors Connie Woodburn told the Zoo team. “The staff here is incredible and I know you will continue doing what needs to be done. We have a strong management team created by Jeff. The volunteers are wonderful and we have a dedicated, experienced Board of Directors, who are here to help and support all of you. And on top of that, we have an entire region here in central Ohio that proudly supports our Zoo. We are on track to have a record attendance year, and Jeff would expect each and every one of us to do whatever is needed to make that happen. This is a terrible blow to all of us, but not one that knocks us out. We must keep on track and make sure that every visitor who comes through these gates has the best experience possible. That is the best way for all of us to honor Jeff’s memory.”
During a meeting earlier today the Zoo’s Board of Directors unanimously agreed to name Assistant Zoo Director and Chief Operating Officer Dale Schmidt to serve as interim director. Dale left his position as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Oregon Coast Aquarium in October 2008 at Jeff’s request. Dale also served as Executive Director of the Clearwater Marine Aquarium in Clearwater, Florida and Vice President of Operations at the Florida Aquarium in Tampa where he previously worked with Jeff.
Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium stated “Jeff was like a son to me and I am deeply saddened. The Zoo family is pulling together to support Jeff’s family that he loved so very much, as well as looking out for each other during this difficult time.”
Jeff’s family issued the following statement: We are so extremely blessed for having our dad and husband a part of our lives for many years. His incredible love for the central Ohio community, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, and The Ohio State University is only surpassed by his love for all of us. Our Jeff always said he had it “better than he deserved.” We will always remember his selflessness, love and compassion.
Jeff’s family will be receiving guests at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium on Wednesday, July 1 from 5 to 7 p.m. with a celebration of his life at 7 p.m. The memorial service will be held at 1 p.m. on Thursday, July 2 at New Hope Church located in Powell adjacent to the Zoo. The family has requested in lieu of flowers, donations in his memory be made to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day of the year 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. after Labor Day. General admission is $12 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 9 and seniors 60+. Children under 2 and Columbus Zoo members are free. The Zoo was named the #1 Zoo in America by USA Travel Guide and is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA.) For more information and to purchase advance Zoo admission tickets, visit www.columbuszoo.org.