Oregon Zoo names new director, who worked at Smithsonian’s attraction

PORTLAND — The most-visited paid attraction in Oregon has a new leader.

The Oregon Zoo announced Wednesday that Donald E. Moore, a senior scientist at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo and a man with nearly 40 years of experience in wildlife conservation, animal welfare and zoo management, will be the next director of the Portland attraction.

Moore starts Feb. 29, replacing interim director Teri Dresler.

“I am honored, and I look forward to working with such a dedicated, passionate group of staff, volunteers and supporters,” Moore said. “The Oregon Zoo is already regarded as one of the top zoos in the country, and it’s headed in a great direction. I want to build on that and help keep that momentum going.”

Moore has worked at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo the past 10 years, most recently as a senior scientist for conservation programs on assignment with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. From 2006 to 2014, he was associate director for animal-care sciences, leading the National Zoo’s team of veterinarians, curators, keepers, nutritionists, horticulturists and animal behavior professionals. He also helped implement major renovations including the Elephant Trails and American Trail exhibits.

Prior to joining the Smithsonian, Moore worked at the Wildlife Conservation Society in New York, where he was director of Brooklyn’s Prospect Park Zoo and co-chair of the society’s well-known Animal Enrichment Program.

Moore earned his bachelor’s and doctoral degrees in wildlife management and conservation biology from the State University of New York’s College of Environmental Science and Forestry, and a master’s degree in public administration from Syracuse University.

Dresler had been named interim director in May 2014, replacing Kim Smith, who was fired after serving as the director since 2010.

At the time of Smith’s departure, the zoo also announced the firing of senior veterinarian Mitch Finnegan after an investigation into the death of Kutai, the orangutan. The investigation, which was prompted by an anonymous complaint, found a number of possible missteps and determined Finnegan didn’t take steps to discipline his staff.

But then, about two months later, the zoo announced Finnegan’s rehiring, as a staff veterinarian.