Zoo names new executive director

Jeffrey "Jeff" Sailer. Enlarge

The Toledo Zoo’s board of director announced today that Jeffrey Sailer will become the zoos’ executive director effective Aug. 1.

Mr. Sailer, director of city zoos with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York City, was one of two finalists announced by a search committee last week. The other was Christopher Andrews, director of San Franciso’s Steinhart Aquarium, California Academy of Sciences.

“Mr. Sailer brings extensive zoo experience and is exceptionally qualified to direct the Toledo Zoo,” said Zac Isaac, president of the zoo board and chair of the search committee. “We’re delighted to welcome him to our community and fortunate to have such a person in this important position as the zoo moves forward.”

Mr. Sailer has a master’s degree in zoology from the University of Florida and a bachelor’s degree in biology from Ball State University.

“I am excited to accept this great opportunity. The Toledo Zoo has a wonderful reputation in the zoo field,” Mr. Sailer said. “I’m looking forward to working with the staff of the Toledo Zoo and living in this wonderful community.”

While working on his master’s degree in zoology at the University of Florida, he supported himself by teaching ecology to nonbiology-major students and working as a scientific observer on commercial shark-fishing vessels.

In his position with the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, Mr. Sailer oversees Central Park, Prospect Park, and Queens Zoos, which combined draw more than 1.6 million visitors each year.

Prior to joining WCS, Mr. Sailer was curator of birds for the Miami Metrozoo, where he helped plan and develop a new 1.5-acre Asian-themed aviary.

He will succeed Dr. Anne Baker, the Toledo Zoo’s executive director and chief executive officer, who informed the zoo board’s executive committee in February that she planned to retire from her $177,735-a-year post.