Above: The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation’s new executive director David Reed;
Below: A photo of one of the zoo’s expressive greater rheas that was sent, without explanation, along with the release announcing Reed’s new gig, which
LoCO is totally fine with. We will henceforth call it David Rhea-d

Sequoia Park Zoo release: 

The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation (SPZF) is excited to welcome David Reed as the new Executive Director of the Foundation. Reed brings 26 years of fundraising and non-profit management experience to the Zoo Foundation. SPZF President Michale Dearden states, “David Reed’s knowledge, expertise and community connections will be put to good use, bringing people who love the Sequoia Park Zoo together with projects that support the animals, conservation and future improvements to the Zoo. David joins a dedicated staff at the Foundation, a strong team working every day to further the missions of both the Sequoia Park Zoo & Foundation.”

Reed says, “my time with Redwood Parks Conservancy and KHSU, securing funds for capital campaigns and projects like the Grove of Titans in Jedediah Smith State Park and supporting the return of California Condors to the redwoods, ties directly into the future here at Sequoia Park Zoo.” He continues, “the Foundation has been a partner in every large project here since 2004, and in that time, SPZF has raised more than $13-million to make projects like the Redwood Sky Walk, Watershed Heroes, and Bear/Coyote habitat possible. I’m honored to lead the Foundation as we help realize the vision of the Zoo master plan.”

David Reed grew up in Eureka and remembers Sequoia Park Zoo being a big part of his childhood. Today, he says he sees a new Sequoia Park Zoo in his own kids’ eyes, remarking, “my wife and I started taking our girls here in strollers. Now they come to learn about animals, conservation, our impact on the Earth and just to have fun. I want that for everyone.”

ABOUT THE SEQUOIA PARK ZOO FOUNDATION

The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2004 and is the philanthropic, nonprofit partner that supports the Sequoia Park Zoo. The Foundation has raised more than $13 million since its inception. The Foundation has been successful in securing funding for many capital projects at the Zoo, including the construction of new animal habitats, ongoing maintenance, exhibit renovations and building facilities to support animals, education, guest services and conservation efforts. The Sequoia Park Zoo Foundation promotes and stimulates interest in the Sequoia Park Zoo, and supports the Zoo’s development and programs through fundraising, promotions and other initiatives designed to enhance the Zoo experience. For more information, visit sequoiaparkzoo.net.

ABOUT THE SEQUOIA PARK ZOO

Established in 1907 and accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums, Sequoia Park Zoo is an intimate, 6-acre facility situated in the heart of Northern California’s Coastal Redwood region. The Zoo welcomes approximately one hundred thousand visitors each year, features over 50 species of animals, and is home to the Redwood Sky Walk. The Redwood Sky Walk is an immersive experience that takes guests across a series of suspended bridges and platforms up to 100 feet above the redwood forest floor. and gives a rare view of an old- and second-growth Coast Redwood grove. The Sequoia Park Zoo inspires conservation of the natural world by instilling wonder, respect, and passion for wildlife. The Sequoia Park Zoo is owned and operated by the City of Eureka, California. Learn more at sequoiaparkzoo.net.