Head of Columbus Zoo dies unexpectedly

6/29/2009

DUBLIN, Ohio The head of the Columbus Zoo has died.

Zoo officials told WBNS television station that Executive Director Jeff Swanagan apparently had a heart attack Sunday night at his home.

Mr. Swanagan was 51 and became zoo director last year after heading the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta.

He was an Ohio native and graduate of Ohio State University. He started his career at the Columbus Zoo in 1979 before leaving for Zoo Atlanta in the 1980s. He also worked at Florida Aquarium.