A curator from the Smithsonian National Zoo is leaving Washington D.C. to manage the zoo in the Quad Cities. After a national search, Lee Jackson has been named the new Director of the Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley.
Rock Island County Forest Preserve Director, Jeff Craver, says before joining the Smithsonian National Zoo, Jackson was a director at the National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium in Dubuque for 11 years.
Jackson was unanimously chosen by the Forest Preserve District from 30 applicants. He'll take over at Niabi in June.
Most recently, Jackson has overseen construction of the Smithsonian National Zoo's newest exhibit, Aquatic Life Support.
He has also taught biology at the University of Dubuque, and held positions at St. Louis Zoo, Brookfield Zoo, and the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago.
Craver says Interim Niabi Director, Dan Meates, will return to his position as Assistant Zoo Director. Meates has directed Niabi Zoo since September.