The Utica Zoo Has A New Executive Director

Utica, NY (WIBX) - The Utica Zoo has a new Executive Director after board members chose Andria DeLisle-Heath to head the organization starting in June. Utica Zoo Board President, Joseph DeTraglia says the search for a new Director was a global undertaking but members decided to select a local candidate.

"Our most recent official search we literally searched nationwide, it turned out to be an international search. We went through the AZA--the accrediting body for many Zoo's and Aquariums in the country--I literally screened dozens of resumes, some from foreign countries and we've gone back and looked at the list that we went both nationally and internationally and also locally, and we couldn't be more happy with the choice that we made," DeTraglia said.

DeLisle-Heath currently serves as the Executive Director for the American Red Cross of the Mohawk Valley. She said, "On June the 13th I'll begin my first officials day as the Executive Director of what I'm calling the new Utica Zoo, and I'm just delighted to think about coming here every single day and helping to really cement this amazing icon in this community into everyday life." Board President Joseph DeTraglia explained that the last Director, Michael Wodrich, resigned due to a personal family tragedy in North Dakota.