Binghamton’s zoo is getting a new director.

Steven Contento had previously retired and then came back in 2012 to try to get the Ross Park Zoo on Morgan Road back on track.

Earlier this year, Contento again announced his retirement and a search was launched for another replacement.

Now, Binghamton University biology degree-holder Jackie Peeler has been named as the new director.

Peeler previously worked at the Henson Robinson Zoo in Illinois where she has been director since 2014.

She had also worked in animal care at Ross Park.

Binghamton’s zoo is the 5th older in the country and has been struggling to hold on to national accreditation.

Peeler is expected to begin her new position as zoo director at the beginning of the year after a contract is finalized.

 

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