New Leadership Promises Exciting Future for Zoo Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — New Leadership at Zoo Knoxville

The city of Knoxville welcomes Bill Street as the new president and chief executive officer of Zoo Knoxville. Street is set to take on his new role starting on August 26, 2024, after relocating from Indianapolis.

Experience and Leadership

Zoo Knoxville made the announcement on Friday, revealing that Street brings over 30 years of experience in various fields related to attractions, zoology, education, and conservation. He steps in to replace Lisa New, who held the position from 2013 to 2023.

In a statement, Bill Street expressed his enthusiasm about joining the zoo. He noted, “Zoo Knoxville has an international reputation as a leader in conservation and animal care, in addition to being recognized for excellence in education and providing dynamic experiences.” Street emphasized the significant changes the zoo has gone through in the past decade and said he was excited to continue this progress.

Russ Watkins, chair of Zoo Knoxville’s Board of Directors, shared his confidence in Street’s abilities to lead the organization. The board unanimously selected Street based on his impressive background, which includes experience from organizations such as SeaWorld, Busch Gardens, the National Wildlife Foundation, and most recently, the Indianapolis Zoo.

A Focus on Conservation and Community

During his time at the Indianapolis Zoo, Street successfully implemented programs that fostered community engagement and conservation awareness. He aims to bring that same energy to Knoxville, enhancing the zoo’s partnerships within the community and expanding its impact on conservation efforts.

Street stated, “Being entrusted with this crown jewel of the community is a great privilege and responsibility that I look forward to honoring.” His vision includes motivating visitors to engage with wildlife and understand the importance of preserving their environments.

Future Goals for Zoo Knoxville

Zoo Knoxville has established itself as a premier destination for both education and recreation. The zoo is recognized for its success in breeding endangered species and providing engaging experiences for families and individuals alike. Street aims to continue this reputation while looking to innovate and expand the zoo’s offerings.

Under Street’s leadership, Zoo Knoxville plans to enhance its existing programs and potentially introduce new initiatives that educate and inspire the public about wildlife conservation. The focus will be not only on animal care but also on creating experiences that encourage community involvement.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The board’s decision to hire Street comes amid ongoing efforts to elevate the zoo’s status as a center for wildlife education and conservation. With a strong track record in the field, Street is expected to build on the foundation laid by his predecessor while addressing new challenges that arise in the ever-evolving landscape of zoos and wildlife care.

Welcoming a New Era

The arrival of Bill Street marks a new chapter for Zoo Knoxville. As the community looks forward to his leadership, many anticipate a bright future for the zoo and the impact it will continue to have on conservation and local partnerships. The excitement surrounding Street’s appointment signals a collective ambition within Knoxville to deepen relationships and foster a culture of wildlife preservation.

Zoo Knoxville is gearing up for a dynamic period ahead, and with Street at the helm, the community is eager to see how his vision unfolds in the years to come.