New leader named at Dickerson Park Zoo

provided by Springfield-Greene County Park Board

Jackson Thompson has worked at the zoo for two decades.

The Springfield-Greene County Park Board has selected a successor for Dickerson Park Zoo's longtime leader.

Jackson Thompson started yesterday as assistant director of parks and recreation for Dickerson Park Zoo, a position that's known informally as zoo director, according to a news release. Thompson, 39, succeeds Mike Crocker, the zoo's director since 1988 who retired March 29.

Thompson, who was trained by Crocker as his successor, has worked at Dickerson Park Zoo for two decades, starting in guest services in 2004. He most recently was interim zoo director after Crocker's retirement.

“It really is an honor to be named the next zoo director,” Thompson said in the release. “The future is bright at the zoo, with the traditions that Mike Crocker left in his 48-year tenure, and with our Park Board and Friends of the Zoo leadership we have set in place. Most importantly, the staff at the zoo has been family to me for the last 20 years, and I’m excited to continue my career with them here at Dickerson Park Zoo."

Thompson's career at the zoo has included roles as zookeeper, education ambassador and superintendent. He's active in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, through which Dickerson Park Zoo is accredited, and the Zoo Conservation Outreach Group board, among other organizations.

“Jackson’s passion for wildlife conservation and education, coupled with his commitment to Dickerson Park Zoo and its staff, will serve the community well in his new role,” said Jim Fisher, interim director of the Springfield-Greene County Park Board, in the release.

Dickerson Park Zoo is a Parks department division. However, zoo operations, programming, funding, member and donor development, and some staff positions are coordinated with the nonprofit Friends of the Zoo.