a panel of experts as part of an effort to save the species from extinction. It is estimated that there are only 40 Mexican grey wolves left in the wild. Zoo directors Joe Montisano 2019 - present Steve Marshall 2007–2019 Steve Marshall was the director of the El Paso Zoo from 2007 to 2019. He was the chief operating officer of Zoo Atlanta for nine years. He was responsible for overseeing major zoo functions including the zoo's animal collection, human resources, education, construction, maintenance and horticulture, guest services, and special projects at Zoo Atlanta. Before that, he was executive director of The Parks at Chehaw in Albany, Georgia, and was also the director of interpretation at the Texas State Aquarium in Corpus Christi and curator of education at the Birmingham (Alabama) Zoo. He earned an MS in biology and animal behavior from Texas A&M University-Commerce and a BS in biology from the University of Tennessee. Lea Hutchinson 1987-1997, 2004-2006 (interim), 2008–present (emeritus) Dr. Lea Hutchinson, VMD, MS, became the El Paso Zoo's veterinarian in 1965. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania in 1957. He was the veterinarian until 1987, when he was hired as the El Paso Zoo director. During Dr. Hutchinson's first tenure as director, he "improved and expanded the animal collection to include species from the American and Asian continents." He also oversaw the zoo's re-accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and the zoo's participation in the Species Survival Plan (SSP) for a number of endangered species. "Major projects completed during Dr. Hutchinson's tenure included the Asian expansion, American Aviary, the history-based 'Paraje' and many new or renovated exhibits." Dr. Hutchinson served as the zoo director until 1997, and came out of retirement to be the interim director from 2004 to 2006. In 2008, Dr. Hutchinson also became the El Paso Zoo's first honorary director emeritus. This honorary title is intended to recognize meritorious, outstanding, and dedicated service of a former director of an organization. As director emeritus, Dr. Hutchinson oversaw the construction of the African Savannah exhibit, completed in 2012, which includes lions, zebras, and giraffes. Gallery References External links Zoos in Texas Culture of El Paso, Texas Tourist attractions in El Paso, Texas Zoos established in 1930