(Adapted from a Caldwell Zoo news release)
The Caldwell Foundation Board of Trustees has named Hayes Caldwell Executive Director Emeritus of the Caldwell Zoo. He started working at the zoo in 1963 and dedicated his entire professional career, spanning over six decades, to making the zoo a cornerstone of the community and an example of excellence. The zoo began as a gift to the children of Tyler by DK and Lottie Caldwell in 1953. As the collection of animals grew, the demands for running a top-notch institution mandated vision and leadership. Thus, Hayes Caldwell became director in 1976 and initiated the first of four Master Plans for the zoo’s growth and development.
Under his care, Caldwell Zoo became one of the most popular attractions of East Texas and joined the ranks of the best zoos in America. The Caldwell Zoo has grown to housing over 3,000 animals of more than 200 different species. It’s also a leader in wildlife conservation. Under Caldwell’s direction, the “little zoo in Tyler” became an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 1985 and has retained its accreditation ever since.
The zoo has been a genuine benefit to the community as a wholesome family resource, a significant employer, a contributor to local, national, and international conservation efforts, and a valuable educational facility.
“It is a very special and humbling honor to be recognized by the organization where I have enjoyed a lifetime career,” Caldwell said. “The philosophy of the zoo has always been to promote learning through fun and share the importance of the natural world.”
