Wildlife conservation leader Jeffrey Flocken has been named as the new president and CEO of the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach, California.
Per a press release, Flocken will lead the aquarium in its ongoing mission to be a trailblazer in wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
"Having devoted my life to trying to make the planet a better place for animals and people, the Aquarium of the Pacific is the perfect place for me to not only focus on marine life, but also embrace the vibrant community in Long Beach and the greater Los Angeles area," said Flocken.
The Aquarium of the Pacific's board chair Jennifer Hagle said: "The aquarium is not just a place to connect with animals and nature. We are committed to conserving our planet.
"We already have important programs that are saving species, but want to take this to the next level."
Flocken, she added, will help to "establish the Aquarium of the Pacific as a national and international leader in conservation".
Wildlife conservation at Long Beach aquarium
The aquarium's new leader previously held roles including president of the Humane Society International, and North American regional director for the International Fund for Animal Welfare.
He has also worked for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Conservation International, and the National Wildlife Federation.
Additionally, Flocken is co-founder of Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders, an international organisation for training and mentoring new leaders in the wildlife conservation field.
He serves on the boards and steering committees for various wildlife conservation organisations, and has published work related to giraffes, pangolins and African lions.
During his career, Flocken has delivered major animal welfare and conservation policy victories in countries across the world.
These include launching street dog and cat health efforts caring for millions of at-risk companion animals, and ending the dog meat trade in South Korea.
Images courtesy of the Aquarium of the Pacific
