Rock Island County's Niabi Zoo has named a curator from the National Zoo in Washington, D.C. as its new Zoo Director.
Lee Jackson was the Director of Living Collections at the National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium in Dubuque for 11 years before joining the Smithsonian’s National Zoo where he lead the development of the newest unit, Aquatic Life Support.
Jackson's hiring comes after the Rock Island County Board said its goal was to hire an experienced professional to lead the Zoo as the County looks to diminish its role in the day-to-day operations of the Coal Valley facility.
A news release announcing Jackson's selection says he was involved in improving the National Zoo's Amazonian and American Trails collection. While at the National Mississippi River Museum he coordinated the activities of architects, engineers, contractors and artists in the creation of animal exhibits and
developed, acquired and maintained an animal collection of over 250 species of fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and invertebrates.
He was selected by an unanimous vote by the Rock Island County Forest Preserve District which had "around 30" applicants for the job. He's scheduled to begin work at Niabi on June 6, 2016.
The Forest Preserve District says interim Niabi Zoo director Dan Meates will reallocate his time to more daily engagement with the animals.