Fort Wayne Zoo Names Executive Director

Rick Schuiteman

The Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo has named its next executive director. Our partners at WPTA-TV report Rick Schuiteman will take the helm, succeeding long-time executive Jim Anderson who announced his retirement in March.

He currently works for SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment Co., which is headquartered in Orlando.

“From the moment I visited the zoo, I knew it was a perfect fit for me. It’s an intimate zoo with natural animal exhibits, amazing guest service, passionate staff and volunteers, and the animal care is exceptional. All the things that make it a world class Zoo. I knew I had to be a part of this team,” said Schuiteman.

WPTA reports Schuiteman started as a park operations leader at the SeaWorld San Diego park where his primary focus was on park care, guest service and employee development.

More recently, he served as corporate vice president where he worked on in-park branding, messaging, and the park visual experience at SeaWorld Orlando, SeaWorld San Antonio, and the Busch Gardens parks.