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Niabi Zoo Director resigns

Niabi Zoo Director Marc Heinzman has resigned.

Niabi Zoo Director Marc Heinzman has resigned.

Heinzman will become Zoological Curator at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Eatonville, Washington, according to a statement from Niabi Zoo.  Northwest Trek is a 723-acres site that features about 200 animals native to the Pacific Northwest.

Heinzman became a zookeeper at Niabi Zoo in 2008; he became assistant zoo director in 2010, and he was named zoo director in 2012.

"I have worked hard to assemble a great team of skilled and experienced professionals that will help take the Zoo to the next level,” Heinzman said.  He cited improved financial stability and animal welfare as particular points of pride.

"Niabi Zoo will always be an important place to me, and now the Forest Preserve District and the Niabi Zoological Society are working with the nation’s leading experts in zoo consultation and governance to determine the best path into the future. I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for Niabi Zoo," Heinzman said.

“We’re sorry to see Marc go,” said Rock Island County Forest Preserve District Director Jeff Craver, “but we wish him all the best with his new opportunity. He’s been a great asset to Niabi Zoo during his seven years there.”

Heinzman's last day at Niabi Zoo will be October 16.  Assistant Zoo Director Dan Meates will be interim zoo director as a national search is conducted to find the next zoo director. The Niabi Zoo is owned by the Rock Island Forest Preserve District.

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