After three years on the job, the director of Niabi Zoo is stepping down. The zoo in Coal Valley announced today Marc Heinzman is leaving Niabi for a position as Zoological Curator at Northwest Trek Wildlife Park in Washington.
Heinzman began working as a zookeeper at Niabi Zoo in 2008, and was promoted to Zoo Director in 2012. In a news release, Heinzman says he's proud of "the improved levels of animal welfare and financial stability...the zoo has implemented in the last three years."
Niabi Zoo's Assistant Director, Dan Meates, will act as interim director until the Forest Preserve District completes a national search for Heinzman's replacement.
Heinzman's last day will be October 16th.