Title
In Memory of Jeffery S. Swanagan, Executive Director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Body
"We have the opportunity every day to inspire people to care about wildlife and take an active role in conservation. An encounter with a living being, especially one as magnificent as an elephant, offers a vital link to conservation." - Jeffery S. Swanagan
Whereas, The Columbus City Council extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Jeff Swanagan on this, the sorrowful occasion of his passing; and
Whereas, an Ohio native and graduate of The Ohio State University, Jeff started his career at the Columbus Zoo in 1979 as a zookeeper and was the Ohio facility's Education Director from 1982 to 1987; and
WHEREAS, in 1987, Jeff became the Deputy Zoo Director at Zoo Atlanta. In 1998 Jeff became CEO of the Florida Aquarium, leaving in 2002 to lead the effort to build and open the world's largest aquarium, the Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta; and
Whereas, Jeff's passion for wildlife conservation and education guided his 29-year career and his vision for continuing to grow the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium into the number one zoological park in the country; and
Whereas, Jeff oversaw the final stages of Zoombezi Bay, Jungle Jack's Landing and the birth of Beco the elephant, forever leaving his mark on a nationwide attraction that helps draw thousands of visitors to the zoo and Central Ohio each year; and
Whereas, Jeff played an active role in planning and promoting the birth of the Asian elephant, Beco; and
WHEREAS, under Jeff's leadership and direction, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was named the Number 1 Zoo in America, according to USA Travel Guide; and
WHEREAS, Jeff was a strong supporter of the city's Melvin B. Dodge Summer Zoo Days program which provides in-kind services in the form of transportation, admission, back packs and novelties to nearly 6,000 youth who participate in the summer playground programs; and
WHEREAS, Jeff was a visionary, educator and wildlife advocate whose mantra was touch the heart to teach the mind; now, therefore
Be it resolved by the Council of the City of Columbus:
That this Council does hereby pay tribute to the memory of a committed leader and friend of Columbus, Jeffery S. Swanagan.