Dr. Lea Hutchinson Honored as Zoo Director Emeritus

Dr. Lea Hutchinson recognized as first-ever Director Emeritus of the El Paso Zoo

On December 2, 2008, the City of El Paso will recognize Lea Hutchinson, DVM as the first ever honored Director Emeritus of the El Paso Zoo. This honorary title is intended to recognize meritorious, outstanding, and dedicated service of a former director of an organization, and is common practice among universities, museums, and zoos. This title was bestowed on Dr. Hutchison on behalf of the Mayor of El Paso, with the approval and support of the City Manager, Deputy City Manager for Quality of Life, and the El Paso Zoological Society.

“I can think of no other person that will carry this honorary title with more dignity and grace than Dr. Lea Hutchinson,” said Steve Marshall, El Paso Zoo Director.

Dr. Hutchinson was recognized in a congratulatory letter by the popular animal expert, international celebrity and TV star Jack Hanna. “It is because of your dedication to conservation and so many other causes that you are now being recognized and honored with the great title of Director Emeritus” said Jack Hanna, who is Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo.

Only nine other AZA accredited Zoos (Association of Zoos and Aquariums) in the United States have awarded the esteemed title of Director Emeritus to a zoo director. These zoos include Lincoln Park in Chicago, the Bronx Zoo in New York, Woodland Park Zoo in Seattle, and Zoo Atlanta in Georgia.

Dr. Lea Hutchison became the City’s Director of Veterinary Services in 1964. In 1965, he added on the duty of El Paso Zoo veterinarian. In 1988, he took on the responsibilities of Acting Zoo Director in addition to his position as Deputy Director at the City-County Health and Environmental District. Some of Dr. Hutchinson’s Zoo career achievements include establishing support facilities, managing the Asian Expansion, assisting with the design and oversight of construction on the African section including the acquisition of Dudley Field. From 2004-2006, Dr. Hutchinson stepped back into the position of Interim Zoo Director.

“His love of the Zoo, his commitment to animals of all types, and his leadership skills are clearly exhibited by his long career with the City in the many positions he has successfully held,” said Marshall. “He has served in a leadership position at the El Paso Zoo longer than any other single person in the Zoo’s modern history,” said Steve Marshall. “He is the perfect example of what a Director Emeritus stands for.”