Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois is getting closer to choosing a new director.
After a little more than a year on the job, former director Mark Ryan resigned January 25, 2012. Assistant Director Marc Heinzman has been acting director since that day.
Heinzman is one of two finalists vying for the permanent position as director of Niabi Zoo.
The other candidate is Joe Clawson, zoo director at the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo in Monroe, Louisiana.
Clawson has worked in a variety of zoo jobs, and he says he thinks the Quad Cities is a good fit for his interests and experience.
Heinzman was a zookeeper at Niabi Zoo before becoming assistand director. He alwo worked at the Kansas City, Missouri Zoo and at Rock Island County Animal Care and Control in Moline, Illinois.
County officials expect to complete candidate interviews are expected to be complete the week of June 25.