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Ted Fox, the longtime director of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo in Syracuse will retire at the end of May after more than a decade in the role. Fox, who began his career at the zoo as a zookeeper in 1991, has been instrumental in several key projects during his tenure. He became the zoo's director in 2011 and has since overseen significant expansions, including the Asian elephant preserve, which features a 50,000-gallon watering hole and a state-of-the-art facility with a green roof.
Fox's contributions to the zoo extend beyond infrastructure. He played a crucial role in developing the Humboldt penguin exhibit, Penguin Coast, which has seen over 50 chicks hatch since its opening in 2005. Under his leadership, the zoo also gained international recognition when one of its elephants, Mali, gave birth to twins in 2022, a first for North America and Europe.
Fox holds a bachelor's degree in animal science from Cornell University and has been actively involved with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As he steps down, a nationwide search will be conducted to find his successor. The zoo, part of the Onondaga County parks system, will continue its commitment to conservation and education under new leadership.
Onondaga County announced the retirement, emphasizing Fox's impact on the zoo's growth and success. His dedication to animal welfare and conservation has left a lasting legacy at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.