Sunset Zoo
Photo Courtesy of Sunset Zoo
After nearly three decades of leadership, Sunset Zoo Director Scott Shoemaker has retired following 29 years in the position. During his tenure, Shoemaker oversaw significant growth and transformation at Sunset Zoo, strengthening its role as a valued community asset and leader in animal care and conservation.
Under Shoemaker’s leadership, the zoo completed numerous major projects and celebrated many important milestones, including:
• The opening of the African Forest Trail, Chimpanzees of Tanganyika, and otter habitats in 1997
• The renovation of habitats and the return of cheetahs to the Zoo, along with the birth of a sloth bear in 2004
• The expansion of the zoo’s concession stand in 2005
• The inaugural Wine in the Wild event in 2007
• The first Brew at the Zoo event and the surprise birth of Susie the chimpanzee’s baby in 2010
• The opening of the Nature Exploration Center and the arrival of gibbons in 2012
• The birth of a baby gibbon in 2017
• The opening of Expedition Asia in 2022
• The opening of flamingo and maned wolf habitats in 2023
• The birth of two critically endangered Malayan tiger cubs and the arrival of critically endangered okapi at Sunset Zoo in 2024
In addition to these accomplishments, Sunset Zoo hosted world-renowned conservationists and wildlife advocates Jane Goodall, Joel Sartore, and Jack Hanna during Shoemaker’s tenure.
Shoemaker’s most enduring legacy may be his leadership in maintaining Sunset Zoo’s accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), which extends through 2030.
“Scott served for nearly 30 remarkable years. His leadership and deep dedication to animal care and conservation have transformed our Sunset Zoo into the cherished amenity it is today enriching our city,” remarked City of Manhattan City Manager, Danielle Dulin. “We thank him for giving so much of himself to this community, and we wish him the very best in retirement.”
“Scott Shoemaker’s 29 years of leadership as Zoo Director have left an extraordinary legacy that will be felt for generations to come at Sunset Zoo and throughout the Manhattan community,” commented Aaron Stewart, City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director. “He led with integrity, mentored generations of staff, and built meaningful connections with visitors and the community. Under his guidance, the zoo completed major projects such as the Nature Exploration Center and Expedition Asia, and his vision helped shape the Zoo Master Plan and the next phase of improvements through the Africa to Americas project. Scott’s ability to build strong, collaborative relationships with the Zoo Trust and Friends of Sunset Zoo has positioned the zoo for continued success well into the future.”
