Brookfield Zoo CEO Leaving

BROOKFIELD, IL — The longtime head of the group that manages the Brookfield Zoo is retiring. Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society for 17 years, has announced he will not renew his contract, the group said in a statement Thursday.

The timeline for a new CEO is unknown at this point, according to a news release. The society's board expects to choose a search firm within the next few months to begin the in-depth process of selecting the right candidate, the release said.

"I look forward to working with the board and staff to ensure the completion of CZS’s master plan and to support a successful and smooth transition of my successor," Strahl said in a statement.

Under Strahl, the zoo has seen much progress, according to the release. This has included furthering the society’s mission with the development of the Center for the Science of Animal Care and Welfare and the Center for Conservation Leadership.

“We brought Stuart in to take CZS to the next level, and he has guided our institution through three strategic plans and has positioned us for success in animal care, conservation leadership, and a family-friendly destination for current and future generations,” John Grube, chairman of the society's board of trustees, said in a statement. “We are happy for Stuart and wish him the best as he now focuses on family and his outside interests in conservation. We look forward to working with him as we go through this transition.”