After a national search, the City of El Paso has appointed Gary Lunsford as the permanent director of the El Paso Zoo and Botanical Gardens, city officials announced. <\/p>\n
Lunsford has served as interim director since September 2025. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe are excited to name Gary Lunsford as the zoo\u2019s permanent Director. With more than 30 years of experience in zoo operations and an unwavering dedication to our animals and the teams who care for them, makes him the ideal leader for the Zoo\u2019s next chapter,\u201d City Manager Dionne Mack said.<\/p>\n
Lunsford has worked as an accreditation inspector for both the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and Canada\u2019s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums, city officials said. <\/p>\n
He came to El Paso from Massachusetts, where he served as director of the Buttonwood Park Zoo. Before that, he led the Assiniboine Park Zoo in Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, overseeing a team that commissioned the Journey to Churchill exhibit, described as an award-winning $90 million transformation of 10 acres of the zoo into an immersive experience of northern culture and biodiversity.<\/p>\n
The city said Lunsford has developed operational and animal care experience through roles at the Oklahoma City Zoo, Tulsa Zoo, Assiniboine Park Zoo, Milwaukee County Zoo, and Buttonwood Park Zoo. His leadership approach focuses on elevating animal welfare, enhancing guest experiences, and expanding conservation impact.<\/p>\n
RECOMMENDED: Lawsuit against City of El Paso and former zoo director dismissed after settlement<\/a><\/p>\n