Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo announced its new executive director Tuesday morning.
Rick Schuiteman spent the last 30 years in San Diego working various leadership positions at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment. He will succeed Jim Anderson, who has been the executive director for 26 years -- capping off a 44-year career with the zoo.
He said the zoo and the community’s relationship with it are in good places, and he’s not looking to make massive changes to something he says is working.
“What I can do is carry the torch; I can carry the torch for Jim and the team and continue making sure it’s a beautiful, world-class zoo. It’s about taking the great work that’s happened and moving it forward,” he said.
Schuiteman has lived in San Diego since his teens, graduating from San Diego State University. He said he, his wife and two of their three children are excited for the move to Fort Wayne.
