Switzerland: Zoo Zurich Appoints Dr. Severin Dressen New Zoo Director

The administrative board of Zoo Zurich has recently named Dr. Severin Dressen new director of the zoo, effective on 1 July 2020. Dr. Dressen will succeed in the position of Dr. Alex Rübel, the current director of the zoo who will retire after almost 30 years. Dressen, who currently serves as deputy director and head curator of Zoo Wuppertal (Germany), brings many years of professional experience into his new role, having worked for several zoological institutions in Germany, Spain and Argentina. He has a scientific background in the fields of ecology, evolution and nature conservation. He will be responsible for the creation of new visitor experiences and management concepts, in order to cope with the advancing digitalization and changing demands of zoo visitors. 

Martin Naville, President of Zoo Zurich’s administrative board, said: “[…] After a very successful Rübel era, Severin Dressen will lead Zoo Zurich into a new chapter and ensure that the zoo remains at the forefront oft he rapid development of the zoo world […].“ Dr. Dressen is looking forward to his new tasks to come: “After Dr. Alex Rübel’s extremely successful and long-standing leadership Zoo Zurich must move into the future with dynamism and vision. As designated zoo director, I am delighted to take on this varied and excited tasks together with the experienced management team and employees at Zoo Zurich […].“ To create a seamless transition, Dressen will start his work on 1 April 2020 and will take over as Zoo director on 1 July. (eap)