Though her time at the helm of the David Traylor Zoo is ending soon, Lisa Keith’s impact on the Emporia institution will continue well into the future.
During KVOE’s On Air Chat Wednesday, Keith and several Emporia Friends of the Zoo Board members joined the program to discuss her legacy and pending retirement. During that time, EFOZ member Colleen Mitchell made a pair of surprise announcements, starting with unveiling a brand new fund through the Emporia Community Foundation in Keith’s honor.
In addition to the Lisa Keith Zoo Education Fund, EFOZ has also installed a bronze statue of a mountain lion in the zoo located directly across from Flint The Mountation Lion.
Signage is still in the works, however, Mitchell says she is hopeful the barricades surrounding the statue will be down by the annual Zoo Brew event on Friday, September 20.
Keith was informed of these tributes to her legacy just 24 hours before they were announced on KVOE’s Airwaves and says it came as a welcomed shock.
Keith has been on the zoo staff 32 years, including the last 16 as director after the facility’s namesake, David Traylor, retired after his own lengthy career leading the zoo. She is currently serving as the Assistant Director to new Director Brenda Young and will continue this role until October 1.
Keith will then take on a remote role with the zoo until her official retirement date of January 1.
Keith says retirement will include time with grandchildren, travel and possibly work in a support role for the zoo, including fundraising. The city has set 1-4 pm Sept. 27 for Keith’s retirement reception at the zoo.
If you are interested in donating to the Lisa Keith Zoo Education Fund contact the Emporia Community Foundation by calling 620-342-9304 or by going online to Emporiacf.org.
