Erika Kohler became executive director of San Diego Zoo in San Diego, California, in April 2022, making her the second woman to hold the post in the zoo’s 106-year history, following Belle Benchley, who served as its director from 1927 to 1953.
Previous to this, she worked as the organisation’s director of operations from 2015 and was interim executive director from November 2021 before taking on the role permanently four months later. She now managed the daily operation of all departments at the popular attraction. Before joining San Diego Zoo, Kohler worked at Lincoln Park Zoo in Chicago, Illinois.
Speaking after her appointment to the role of executive director, Paul Baribault, president and CEO of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, said:
“Erika Kohler has been an invaluable part of the San Diego Zoo’s recent success while she worked as a deputy director of operations, and most recently as interim executive director. She makes everyone on her team better and is committed to our mission. Erika has proven to be a strong leader during times of change with her considered and thoughtful approach, and we are perhaps most honored to be selecting our newest executive director for the San Diego Zoo from within our very own organization.”
Kohler added: “Being appointed as executive director of the San Diego Zoo is an opportunity of a lifetime, and I am honored to formally step into the role. I am excited to continue leading one of the most dynamic teams in wildlife conservation during one of its best moments in history, and continue to create allies for wildlife every day.”
In March 2022, the San Diego Zoo opened the new $88m, 3.2-acre Wildlife Explorers Basecamp, a state-of-the-art experience for kids constructed on the site of the former Children’s Zoo, which combines immersive technology with animal exhibits.