About 25 years ago, Spanish-born Dr Miguel Casares did an internship at Frankfurt Zoo. Back then, he probably wouldn't have thought that he would eventually take over its management. But that is exactly what will happen on 01 February. This concludes the search for a new director for Frankfurt Zoo. Not only because of his internship, the Frankfurt Zoo is not an unknown place for Casares. Because for some time he was already head of the scientific department of the zoo and deputy zoo director here. And now, with his new position, the Main metropolis and its zoo are finally the 51-year-old veterinarian's new home. Previously, he was zoological director of the biopark in Valencia, Spain, for many years, in the establishment of which he also played a major role. In the course of his professional career, he has also worked in numerous zoological gardens in Germany and abroad.
"I am very pleased that the Magistrate has followed my wish to appoint Dr. Miguel Casares as the new Director of Frankfurt Zoo," says Ina Hartwig, Head of Department for Culture and Science. "He is an asset and an enrichment for Frankfurt and the zoo. Due to his extensive international zoo experience, but also his excellent qualifications as a scientist, he will advance the further development of Frankfurt Zoo in terms of content and construction. Last year, the zoo was the most visited leisure facility in Frankfurt with around 840,000 visitors - I am now very excited about Dr. Casares' ideas. The task now is to develop a vision for the future of Frankfurt Zoo."
Dr. Casares is proud of his new post and happy about the Magistrate's decision: "Frankfurt Zoo is one of the most traditional zoos in the world and faces great challenges in the face of climate change and a dramatic decline in biodiversity. As the future director of Frankfurt Zoo, I and the entire team look forward to this multifaceted task with great pleasure. I am convinced that Frankfurt Zoo has unique potential in this dynamic and multicultural metropolis to develop a model of integrated species and nature conservation," says Dr. Casares. "Zoos are, in my eyes, cultural institutions where people can get excited about animals. A future, sustainable zoo concept must therefore not only create a clear link between the conservation of endangered animal species in the zoo and the protection of their natural habitats, but must also be oriented towards the needs of visitors in order to further increase its own attractiveness."
In addition to his extensive expertise in the field of zoo-specific concepts and strategies, Dr. Casares has held numerous management positions. He also has outstanding qualifications in the scientific field: in addition to numerous publications and scientific teaching activities, he is currently conducting research on non-invasive hormone diagnostics in elephants.
We wish Dr. Casares all the best for his new responsibilities as zoo director!
