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City introduces Virginia Zoo’s incoming executive director and credits staff for recent accreditation success
Summary
City leaders introduced Chris Jenkins as the new executive director of the Virginia Zoo and praised Richard Parker for leading staff work that helped the zoo secure its annual accreditation.
City officials introduced Chris Jenkins as the incoming executive director of the Virginia Zoo at Tuesday’s work session and credited zoo staff for successfully completing the zoo’s annual accreditation visit. A city official said Jenkins brings more than 25 years of frontline animal care and training experience and previously served as chief operations officer for a national animal-training and exhibition organization in Winter Haven, Florida; he has also worked as an education program presenter for the Walt Disney Company and in park operations at SeaWorld of San Diego. The same official recognized Richard Parker, who served as acting director in recent months and previously served as assistant director. Staff praised Parker for assembling a cross‑city team that supported the accreditation process. The city official said Jenkins began work this week and that zoo staff had already worked with the accrediting agency to complete requirements for the annual accreditation. No formal personnel votes were taken at the work session; the presentation was an announcement and recognition of staff efforts. Councilmembers welcomed Jenkins and thanked Parker for his interim leadership.
