On Friday, officials with the City of El Paso announced the selection of Joe Montisano as the new Director of the El Paso Zoo.
“We chose Mr. Montisano to lead the El Paso Zoo because of his extensive experience in both animal care and high-level leadership,” said Deputy City Manager Cary Westin. “He is a visionary and enthusiastic to lead our zoo team, and we’re confident he will continue to provide world-class animal care and service to the El Paso Zoo.”
Montisano, who was selected following an extensive national search, will begin his new role as Zoo Director on May 13.
Montisano has 28 years of experience leading diverse, visitor-based, animal education and conservation-based institutions and has dedicated his career to the zoological industry.
Montisano served as the Executive Director at the Great Lakes Aquarium and Science Center in Duluth, Minnesota and previously served as Executive Director for Coastal Humane Society in Brunswick, Maine.
In addition, he served as the Chief Executive Officer at the Central Florida Zoo, Executive Director at the Oregon Wildlife Safari, and Director of Sales, Marketing & Promotions at the SeaWorld of Ohio.
Montisano holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business from the University of Akron.
The El Paso Zoo is a member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA envisions a world where all people respect, value, and conserve animals and nature. With more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation.
