MANHATTAN, Kan. (WIBW) – For the first time in nearly three decades, the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan will be looking for a new director.
Manhattan city officials on Wednesday announced that Scott Shoemaker has retired after 29 years as director of the Sunset Zoo.
During his tenure, city officials said, “Shoemaker oversaw significant growth and transformation at Sunset Zoo, strengthening its role as a valued community asset and leader in animal care and conservation.”
Scott Shoemaker has retired after 29 years as director of Manhattan’s Sunset Zoo, officials announced Wednesday.(WIBW)
According to a news release from the city of Manhattan,the zoo completed numerous major projects under Shoemaker’s leadership and celebrated many important milestones, including:
• The opening of the African Forest Trail, Chimpanzees of Tanganyika, and otter habitats in 1997
• The renovation of habitats and the return of cheetahs to Sunset Zoo, along with the birth of a sloth bear in 2004
• The expansion of the zoo’s concession stand in 2005
• The inaugural Wine in the Wild event in 2007
• The first Brew at the Zoo event and the surprise birth of Susie the chimpanzee’s baby in 2010
• The opening of the Nature Exploration Center and the arrival of gibbons in 2012
• The birth of a baby gibbon in 2017
• The opening of Expedition Asia in 2022
• The opening of flamingo and maned wolf habitats in 2023
• The birth of two critically endangered Malayan tiger cubs and the arrival of critically endangered okapi at Sunset Zoo in 2024
In addition to these accomplishments, city officials noted, Sunset Zoo was host to world-renowned conservationists and wildlife advocates Jane Goodall, Joel Sartore and Jack Hanna during Shoemaker’s tenure.
Shoemaker’s most enduring legacy may be his leadership in maintaining Sunset Zoo’s accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which extends through 2030, the news release added.
“Scott served for nearly 30 remarkable years,” said Manhattan City Manager Danielle Dulin. “His leadership and deep dedication to animal care and conservation have transformed our Sunset Zoo into the cherished amenity it is today, enriching our city.
“We thank him for giving so much of himself to this community, and we wish him the very best in retirement.”
Aaron Stewart, City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation director, said, “Scott Shoemaker’s 29 years of leadership as Zoo Director have left an extraordinary legacy that will be felt for generations to come at Sunset Zoo and throughout the Manhattan community.
“He led with integrity, mentored generations of staff, and built meaningful connections with visitors and the community. Under his guidance, the zoo completed major projects such as the Nature Exploration Center and Expedition Asia, and his vision helped shape the Zoo Master Plan and the next phase of improvements through the Africa to Americas project.
“Scott’s ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with the Zoo Trust and Friends of Sunset Zoo has positioned the zoo for continued success well into the future.”
About Sunset Zoo is home to more than 150 animals, including hyenas, cheetahs, flamingos, and an array of primates found throughout the 26-acre park.
The Zoo is located at 2333 Oak St. in a residential area near Manhattan High School’s West Campus.
For more information on the zoo, visit www.sunsetzoo.com, call 785-587-2737 or following the Zoo on social media.
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