Topeka owes Brendan Wiley a personal debt of gratitude.
Wiley, 53, who now serves as CEO of the Topeka Zoo, introduced his resignation efficient Nov. 10. The Topeka Funds-Journal’s Tim Hrenchir reviews Wiley will turn out to be the director of the city-operate Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas.
Wiley’s 13-year tenure was transformational for the zoo. Wiley took more than at a time of turmoil relating to the demise of a hippo, giraffes bred against industry suggestions, distrust in administration and a failure to obey federal guidelines. Wiley was equipped to stabilize the zoo, set up group belief and restore the zoo’s name to its the moment “world famous” status.
The zoo’s board president, Fred Patton, named the zoo a “cherished community asset” due to the fact of Wiley’s leadership and we agree.
“His tireless attempts have served form our zoo into the lively and revered organization it is today,” Patton claimed. “We will extensive mirror on Brendan’s tenure as a transformational time period that enables our zoo to prosper for decades to arrive.”
Underneath Wiley’s leadership, the zoo regained entire accreditation in March 2011 from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Hrenchir stories the zoo less than Wiley went on to create Camp Cowabunga, the Kay McFarland Japanese Yard and the Giraffe & Pals exhibit, and to introduce its “Zoo Lights” attraction, which boosted getaway time attendance substantially.
On top of that, in 2021, the zoo transitioned from town governance even though applying a new funding model that no extended depends on house tax and switching Wiley’s place from director to CEO.
These are exceptional achievements and Topeka is a far better position as a consequence of Wiley’s stewardship. The zoo is steady and a different motive Topeka is a location for Kansans.
We ought to also thank the variety committee brought Wiley right here and labored with him to elevate the zoo’s name. That’s not an effortless job in a world the place second probabilities seem number of and much involving. And nevertheless he was effective.
Wiley’s loss will be felt, but we’re self-confident the leadership construction he is leaving driving is up to the process. We search ahead to observing what comes subsequent for the zoo.
We hope Close friends of the Topeka Zoo and other community leaders are ready to come across a person who can consider the foundation Wiley has proven and go the beloved zoo ahead into the next technology.
We desire Wiley very good fortune in Waco and further than. And again, thank you.
