A new director takes over at Miller Park Zoo this month. The City of Bloomington has hired Paul Bouseman to run the city-owned zoo within the west side public park.
“I am honored to take the helm of an institution with 135 years of commitment to wildlife conservation and education,” Bouseman said in a statement. “Institutions like Miller Park Zoo thrive because of the dedication of the volunteers, members, advocates and donors who recognize the importance the Zoo has in Bloomington and the Central Illinois community."
Bouseman comes to Bloomington from Evansville, Indiana, where he was deputy director of parks and recreation. He was also the number two for Mesker Park Zoo and Botanic Garden, also located in Evansville. The city along the Indiana/Kentucky border is a comparable size, with a population of about 115,000 people.
Bloomington Parks and Recreation Director Eric Veal said the staff is "energized by this appointment.
"Paul brings within him the understanding of the science, the animals and the people who dedicate their lives to this work," he said.
Bouseman starts June 15, replacing Norah Fletchall, who has been serving as interim director during the national search. Former director Jay Pratte spent just three years in that role.
The 135-year-old zoo is among the oldest in the country, and Bouseman joins Miller Park Zoo in the middle of a strategic planning process upgrading and possibly expanding the 66-acre facility. The accredited zoo sees about 100,000 visitors a year, and is recognized for its conservation efforts, housing several endangered species and animals unlikely to survive in the wild.
