The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden will be under new leadership at the start of the new year as the current executive director announces he’s stepping aside for another role within the organization.
After nearly 20 years serving as executive director, Thane Maynard will become the zoo’s Executive Chair of the Board. Starting Jan. 1, 2026, Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenike will take over as director.
“I’m not leaving. This zoo is in my blood, and its mission — to inspire everyone with wildlife — is my mission,” Maynard said in a press release. “I just won’t be as involved in the day-to-day running of the park. Dave has been in charge of operations for a long time and is more than ready to step into the director role.”
In his new role, Maynard will spearhead the largest fundraising effort in the zoo’s history, raising support for the zoo’s Impact Fund and future capital projects. He will continue to serve as an ambassador for the zoo — likely showing up at local events with baby alligator Cruncher and doing his nationally syndicated radio show, The 90-Second Naturalist, says the zoo.
“The time for this move is right,” said Maynard. “As we celebrate the zoo’s 150th anniversary and the completion of our largest project ever, Elephant Trek, I want to be able to focus on keeping the zoo as a source of pride for our community with this next phase of fundraising.”
Maynard started his career at the Cincinnati Zoo in 1977 as the assistant curator of education and worked in different roles before being named the executive director in 2007. While in this role, Maynard spearheaded the creation of award-winning habitats like Africa and Elephant Trek and championed the zoo’s conservation initiatives. He, along with Jenike, also implemented ideas that changed how visitors experience the zoo and connect with wildlife, says the zoo.
“Thane and I have worked side by side for decades,” said Jenike. “We trust each other and are aligned on what’s important — for the zoo and for the planet. With his help, I’m confident that we can meet our goal to ensure a bright future for the Zoo and the impact we create.”
Jenike, a Cincinnati native, began working with the zoo as an intern and moved up to become director of education and then COO in 2007. He says he cares deeply about the community and inspiring people here and around the world with wildlife. He’s also an avid birder and a conservationist.
“On behalf of the board, I want to extend our deepest gratitude to Thane for his extraordinary leadership over the past 19 years. His vision, passion, and unwavering commitment to wildlife conservation and to the Cincinnati community have strengthened the zoo’s reputation as one of the very best in the nation. We are thankful for his dedication and stewardship, and we are excited to see his legacy carried forward as Dave Jenike steps into this new role,” said Cincinnati Zoo’s board chair George Molinsky.
Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. More info: cincinnatizoo.org.
