Thane Maynard, 71, who has become synonymous with the Cincinnati Zoo and earned the affectionate nickname "the Zoo Guy," will transition from his director position while remaining with the organization part-time to assist with donor relations and community outreach.

Cincinnati

Dane Maynard, known as 'the zoo guy,' is stepping down as director of the Cincinnati Zoo after many years of service. Maynard, who has been a prominent figure at the zoo and in the community, will transition to a part-time role focusing on donor relations and outreach.

Dave Jennecke, who has worked alongside Maynard for 35 years and began his career as a zoo intern, will take over as director. Both leaders emphasized their commitment to ensuring the zoo's continued positive impact on people and wildlife, with a focus on financial stability and community engagement.

Cincinnati Zoo director to retire after decades of leadership

When you think about the Cincinnati Zoo, there are a few things that instantly come to mind. The animals, flowers and they Maynard, who many just call the zoo guy, so they made a fame pin complete with cruncher the alligator. It's a title that he will hold on to forever, but the title of zoo director he is ready to pass on to his friend of 35 years, Dave Jennecke, so I'll step down as director. I'll remain with the zoo part time to help with donors and and help them probably bring an alligator to Channel 9 that when I asked how he knew it was time. Well, if you think of our organization, it really is a perfect time. I don't feel 71, but I am. So I've been joking. This is the worst kept secret in America that it's time for me to retire. An organization that Dave has been a part of for decades alongside Dane. I started as an intern here at the zoo, working in the education department with thing. And that was 35 years ago, and we've been. We've been at this for a long time. We've been at this for that whole time while talking about the past, Dane explained how Channel 9 helped launch his zoo career in the late 70s. One of my first assignments was once a week to take an animal down to the Uncle Al show, and it was hosted at Channel 9 with a live audience. Uncle Al, Captain Wendy, his wife, the clown lucky in the back. He taught me how to juggle while we were waiting to go on a pass that will continue to grow into the future. We want to grow our impact. The impact that is both beneficial for people and wildlife as we move forward and certainly a zoo director. Making sure that we have the financial stability, which is the foundation for the future of the zoo. Oh, and they bite. They may be retiring, but he still plans on being a part of the zoo. I mean, he is the zoo guy. It is to me very gratifying that almost anywhere I go in the tri state. The say the grocery store or the gas station. People come and talk to me about the zoo and how it's important to their family. And we are the Cincinnati Zoo, so that is what builds our strength. And from that we do all the great work that we do. The impact worked as Dave said, but it's it's sweet that Cincinnati is a zoo town in Avondale. Lorne Minor WCPO 9 news.

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