City officially names new Salisbury Zoo Director

SALISBURY, Md. – The City of Salisbury has named a new Zoo Director. Acting Zoo Director Chuck Eicholz is taking over the position officially,

Eicholz took the lead when former Director Leonora Dillon retired in June. City officials say he brings nearly 40 years of experience in animal care to the position. Before stepping up, he served as the Zoo’s curator since January of 2021.

Eicholz will be responsible for fundraising, growing the Zoo’s pool of volunteers and ensuring compliance with animal care standards. He hopes to regain accreditation with the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

“The park has a great history, and we just want to make sure it continues,” says Eicholz.

Eicholz started working in the animal care field in 1984, and in 1985, he became a trainer at SeaWorld working with killer whales, dolphins, sea lions, otters and walrus. He’s also worked at the National Aquarium, the Irvine Nature Center, and other small zoos. He used to run his own animal sanctuary, Misfits Animal Sanctuary.