Long Time Milwaukee County Zoo Director Announces Retirement

MILWAUKEE COUNTY, WI— Chuck Wikenhauser, Director of the Milwaukee County Zoo, announced his retirement beginning April 1, after over 31 years of service, according to a news release.

Wikenhauser began his tenure at MCZ in January 1990, making him the longest-serving director of the Milwaukee County Zoo. During his time at MCZ, Wikenhauser focused on strengthening the Zoo’s role in conservation and the propagation of species, animal welfare and enrichment, the release said.

During Wikenhauser’s tenure at the Zoo, the public-private partnership between the Zoological Society of Milwaukee and the Milwaukee County Zoo grew, helping to fund projects and strengthen the efforts and overall mission of the Zoo.

Wikenhauser has positioned the Zoo for future growth, with many upcoming projects on the horizon.

"The Zoo is continuing to focus on species conservation, meeting the welfare needs of the animals, as well as the changing accreditation standards of AZA, and serving the community," the release said.

Wikenhauser said in the release:

“Working at the Milwaukee County Zoo has been a huge part of my life’s work, and it’s my
hope that throughout my time here, we, as an institution, continued to evolve to meet the needs of
the animals in our care and the audiences we served,” says Wikenhauser.

“I’ve had a wonderfully fulfilling profession as a zoo director, starting in 1973, and
concluding with 31 years as the Director of the Milwaukee County Zoo. I’ve worked for a
governmental agency my entire career, and while at times that may be a bit challenging, with
patience, perseverance and persistence, government can do good work. Along the way, I have
met and worked with some amazing people. The professionalism and collegiality of the people in
the zoo and aquarium field are great examples of how people working together can have a major
impact, literally, on the world.”

“The Milwaukee County Zoo is a vital quality-of-life institution with significant positive
impact, and never was that more apparent than this past year as we faced a 3-month closure due
to the pandemic,” continues Wikenahuser. “The Milwaukee County Zoo plays an essential role in our community -- with its rich history, I trust it will always be valued – as an educational and cultural resource, and a respite for all who visit.”