New zoo CEO wants world-class attractions
Miami native has big plans for ‘innovative experiences.’
WEST PALM BEACH — The Palm Beach Zoo and Conservation Society has a new president and chief executive who hopes to transform the facility into a “world class” destination for both locals and out-of-town visitors.
Margo McKnight, the former senior vice president of conservation, science and research at the Florida Aquarium, took over the zoo’s top position on Monday. She replaces Andrew Aiken, who stepped down in November.
A Miami native, McKnight has big plans for the zoo’s West Palm Beach campus, including “innovative experiences that you can’t see anywhere else on the planet,” she said.
McKnight said those experiences will focus on the zoo’s mission: inspiring people to act on behalf of nature.
“My passion really is conservation,” McKnight said Tuesday. “Our job is to make people fall in love with wild things.”
In the coming months, McKnight also plans to reach out to local residents to get more information about the zoo’s visitors and the community.
McKnight takes over the zoo on the heels of a record-breaking year for the nonprofit, which welcomed 330,000 visitors in 2017. About one-third of those visitors came from outside the county.
The zoo, which celebrates its 50th anniversary next year, was awarded the county’s top tourism award this month, beating out two other groups for the coveted title.
At the Florida Aquarium, McKnight created the groundbreaking coral conservation collaboration with the National Aquarium of Cuba.
She is also credited with designing the organization’s Center for Conservation at Apollo Beach,
‘My passion really is conservation. Our job is to make people fall in love with wild things.’ Margo McKnight
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