From zookeeper to executive director to retirement

Fox to step down from Rosamond Gifford Zoo in late May                                            

SYRACUSE — He started his work at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo as a zookeeper in 1991 and was later tapped to serve as executive director in 2011. Now, Ted Fox will conclude his more than three decades at the zoo with his retirement on May 30. Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon describes Fox’s time with the zoo as an “extraordinary career that spanned 34 years dedicated to wildlife, conservation, education and the growth of the County’s Rosamond Gifford Zoo.” After his zookeeper position, Fox was promoted in 1999 to collection manager for the bird department, and in 2006, he was named curator. He has served as the zoo’s executive director for the last 14 years. Fox was “instrumental” in the development of the Rosamond Gifford Zoo’s Humboldt penguin exhibit, Penguin Coast, which opened in 2005, according to the zoo website. Additionally, under Fox’s leadership, the zoo has expanded its use of green infrastructure, most recently with completion of a 50,000-gallon watering hole for the Helga Beck Asian Elephant Preserve in 2016. Most recently, Fox oversaw the design and construction of a new Animal Health Center at the Rosamond Gifford Zoo, which opened in April 2022. A graduate of Cornell University, Fox holds a bachelor’s degree in animal science with a minor in poultry science and a concentration in natural resources. “As Ted enters retirement, he does so with the community’s deep appreciation and gratitude for his unwavering dedication to the Rosamond Gifford Zoo.” McMahon said in a statement. “While Ted’s retirement is undoubtedly a bittersweet moment, we are forever grateful for the legacy and impact of Ted has had on our staff, visitors and the countless animals that have called the Rosamond Gifford Zoo home.” Onondaga County said it plans to conduct a nationwide search for a new zoo director.