Salisbury Zoo Director to retire

SALISBURY, Md. – After nearly 15 years, Salisbury Zoo Director Leonora Dillon has announced that she will retire.

Dillon joined the zoo in 2008 as the Education Curator after working at the EdVenture Children’s Museum in Columbia, South Carolina. She then went on to become Director of the Salisbury Zoo in 2020.

During her time as the Education Curator, she created the Not-so-Scary Halloween Happening event, which has become one of the Zoo’s signature events. She also partnered with the Salisbury University Psychology Department to ensure appropriate accommodations were included, so inclusive programming was offered at the zoo.

As Director, she brought on a full-time veterinary team, which includes Dr. Tameeka Williams and Veterinary Technician Ally Wright. Dillon made animal welfare a focus during her time as Director.

“It’s been a great 15 years at the Salisbury Zoo,” Dillon said. “I’ll miss working with everyone here and being able to walk out and see so many people that I’ve gotten to know over the years. Of course, I’ll also miss the animals I’ve connected with.”

Dillon’s retirement is effective June 30th, as she heads back to South Carolina to be closer to her family. A national search will be conducted for the next zoo director.