21 August 2006
Wallaby appointed head of kiwi zoo
Wellington Zoo Trust has appointed former Director of Discovery and Learning at Zoos Victoria Karen Fifield as its new
Chief Executive, Chairperson Neale Pitches announced today.
"Karen Fifield is an inspirational and experienced leader in the Australasian zoo network and we're delighted she's
agreed to lead Wellington Zoo," Mr Pitches said. "Karen is already well known to the zoos in the region and to us at
Wellington Zoo. She has been on the Board of our regional zoos association and has recently acted as a consultant to
Wellington Zoo in the development of innovative visitor experience as part of the Zoo's capital development programme,"
Karen has most recently been Operations Manager at Quest for Life Centre and Foundation in Sydney. Karen will take up
the position in late September 2006. "In its centenary year, Wellington Zoo Trust is in the process of transforming
Wellington Zoo and Karen is an ideal complement to the strong team already in place at the Zoo,"
Karen has spent 15 years in various roles within zoos, culminating in the role of Acting CEO of Zoos Victoria. She has
also been a consultant to a number of Australasian zoos in recent times. Karen began her career in zoos as an Education
Officer at Taronga Zoo in Sydney. She holds a Teaching Diploma from Alexander Mackie College of Advanced Education.
Karen replaces Alison Lash as Chief Executive. Alison left the Zoo in April this year.
ENDS