City announces new director for Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park - East Idaho News
Idaho Falls

City announces new director for Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park

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The following is a news release from the city of Idaho Falls.

IDAHO FALLS — Dr. David Pennock recently accepted the offer to serve as the new Executive Director of the Idaho Falls Zoo at Tautphaus Park. Pennock, who is currently the Executive Director of the Museum of Idaho, will start his new position on April 4.

Pennock returned to his hometown of Idaho Falls in 1999 to develop the Museum of Idaho where he has served as Executive Director since its opening in 2003. Since its opening, the Museum of Idaho has averaged over 104,000 visitors annually including over 18,000 school children on organized school tours from 17 Idaho counties each year. The museum has a $1.3 million annual budget.

Pennock has a Ph.D. in Systematics and Ecology from the University of Kansas, as well as a M.S. and B.S. in Zoology from Brigham Young University. He is a published researcher and has taught various graduate and undergraduate courses at the University of Kansas, University of Arkansas and Fort Hays State University. David and his wife Gisele have six children.

During Pennock’s tenure with the Museum of Idaho, $20 million has been raised through grant writing, donor development, memberships and corporate sponsorships with over $950k raised for facility improvements.

Linda Guinn Montgomery, Museum of Idaho Board Chair said, “We owe David a deep debt for creating and growing the Museum of Idaho. Without David’s vision, hard work and enthusiasm, the Museum would not be able to serve the 100,000 people a year we see. We are very sad to lose his leadership; however, we are delighted with his new opportunity with the Idaho Falls Zoo. We wish him the very best in his new role.”

Linda Beard took on the role as Interim Zoo Superintendent in July 2014 after the prior superintendent accepted a position at the Milwaukee County Zoo. Beard began working as the animal care supervisor at the Idaho Falls Zoo in 1993.

“We offer our heartfelt gratitude to Linda Beard who has been the Interim Zoo Superintendent throughout this transition. She assumed multiple roles to ensure that our zoo continued to function at the highest level. That task could not have been easy, and we can’t thank her enough for her hard work and dedication,” states Mayor Casper.

Pennock began working as a consultant for the Idaho Falls Zoo in 2015 to develop a 5-year strategic plan for zoo operations.

“Dr. Pennock’s experience with the Museum of Idaho, various local non-profit boards and community outreach, coupled with his education, make him uniquely qualified to lead this important community resource. We are thrilled to have him take the helm. The Idaho Falls Zoo has a bright future,” adds Casper.

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