By Payton Tholstrup
Photo courtesy of Sunset Zoo
On January 26th, the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan, KS announced on Facebook that Dr. Kaleigh Rayes will be stepping into the role of director.
Dr. Reyes is new to the Manhattan area and is from Bangor, Maine, where she was most recently a Professor of Animal Behavior at Husson University.
She completed her Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from the University of Toronto in 2025 with a focus in primatology and specialization in great ape cognition, welfare, and behavior.
Dr. Reyes is also passionate about ornithological science and welfare, which has been inspired by her two African Grey Parrots, Zoey and Rocky.
She is excited to continue her commitment to animal welfare as she steps into this new role. She hopes to strengthen and develop more collaborative partnerships with K-State and the local community.
Dr. Reyes is also looking forward to joining the staff at the zoo and building upon the legacy that was established by longtime director, Scott Shoemaker.
