Lisa Keith is looking ahead to retirement after over 30 years at the David Traylor Zoo, including the last 16 years as director.
During KVOE’s Newsmaker segment Thursday, Keith reflected on the influence of the zoo’s namesake and her former boss, David Traylor, as she assumed the role in 2008. She also says she had a lot of good conversations with other directors as she got started.
The zoo has transformed under her leadership, in large part through Keith’s work spearheading a strategic and master plan completed in 2019, the nearly $5 million Oasis capital campaign that followed and three different cycles of accreditation under the watchful eyes of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Speaking of accreditation, Keith says the upcoming cycle in 2027 was one of the reasons why this was a good time to retire.
When looking at the recent renovations, Keith says they filled specific needs. The prior entry area was a maintenance gate. The new entrance, unveiled last year, now offers no question about where patrons should enter the zoo. The Education Center is in late stages of renovation and expansion after the zoo had outgrown the facility a few years ago.
