Jackie Peeler officially became the director of the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck this spring, succeeding Terry Lincoln after his four‑decade tenure. Peeler, who previously served as assistant and acting director at the Honolulu Zoo, said the transition from tropical sunshine to a North Dakota winter was exactly the change she wanted.
Why Bismarck?
When Peeler shares her résumé with visitors, she often hears a double‑take. “I’m going to warn you ahead of time, it stops people and they look at me like I’m crazy. I recently came here from Hawaii,” she said. The move, however, feels like a homecoming. Peeler grew up in upstate New York and knows how harsh a cold winter can be, and she also has a nephew living in Grand Forks, giving her a family connection to the region.
Community draw
Peeler emphasized that the stories she heard from locals during her interview sealed her decision. “People didn’t know I was here for an interview, and I just mentioned that I was going to stop by the zoo. The stories they told me about growing up here and the zoo being such a big part of the community was a huge draw for me,” she explained.
Hands‑on leadership
With more than 30 years in wildlife care, including two decades in the lower Midwest, Peeler is no stranger to field work. She quickly immersed herself in the zoo’s daily operations, helping raise hatchlings from the facility’s Snowy Owls and spending time on the ground rather than behind a desk. “If you want an office job, this is not the kind of career to go into. Although I do have a lot of stuff to do in the office, a lot of it is being out in the field, visiting with the people that come to visit the zoo, taking care of the animals and being really involved with what it takes to run a facility,” she said.
Preparing for winter
As cooler fall weather settles over Bismarck, staff are adding new animals and readying outdoor enclosures for the classic North Dakota winter. Peeler will oversee these preparations, ensuring the zoo remains a safe, engaging place for both animals and visitors during the colder months.
Looking ahead
Peeler expressed eagerness to hear directly from the community about future exhibits and improvements. “I’m eager to hear what visitors and community members want to see next as we plan updates and new displays,” she said, underscoring her commitment to making the zoo a vibrant hub for education and recreation.
The Dakota Zoo, a beloved fixture in Bismarck, continues to serve as a place where families can connect with wildlife and learn about conservation. Under Peeler’s leadership, the institution aims to deepen those connections while navigating the unique challenges of a North Dakota climate.
Original reporting: KFYR-TV Bismarck (news) — read the source article.
