Long Time Milwaukee County Zoo Director Announces Retirement

Wauwatosa WI

10 February, 2021

11:48 AM

Description

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI— Chuck Wikenhauser, Director of the Milwaukee County Zoo, announced his retirement beginning April 1, after over 31 years of service, according to a news release. Wikenhauser began his tenure at MCZ in January 1990, making him the longest-serving director of the Milwaukee County Zoo. During his time at MCZ, Wikenhauser focused on strengthening the Zoo's role in conservation and the propagation of species, animal welfare and enrichment, the release said. During Wikenhauser's tenure at the Zoo, the public-private partnership between the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Zoo grew, helping to fund projects and strengthen the efforts and overall mission of the Zoo. Wikenhauser has positioned the Zoo for future growth, with many upcoming projects on the horizon. "The Zoo is continuing to focus on species conservation, meeting the welfare needs of the animals, as well as the changing accreditation standards of AZA, and serving the community," the release said. Wikenhauser said in the release: "Working at the Milwaukee County Zoo has been a huge part of my life's work, and it's myhope that throughout my time here, we, as an institution, continued to evolve to meet the needs ofthe animals in our care and the audiences we served," says Wikenhauser. "I've had a wonderfully fulfilling profession as a zoo director, starting in 1973, andconcluding with 31 years as the Director of the Milwaukee County Zoo. I've worked for agovernmental agency my entire career, and while at times that may be a bit challenging, withpatience, perseverance and persistence, government can do good work. Along the way, I havemet and worked with some amazing people. The professionalism and collegiality of the people inthe zoo and aquarium field are great examples of how people working together can have a majorimpact, literally, on the world." "The Milwaukee County Zoo is a vital quality-of-life institution with significant positiveimpact, and never was that more apparent than this past year as we faced a 3-month closure dueto the pandemic," continues Wikenahuser. "The Milwaukee County Zoo plays an essential role in our community -- with its rich history, I trust it will always be valued – as an educational and cultural resource, and a respite for all who visit."