MADISON, Wis. — Dane County has selected Jeff Mitchell as the next director of Henry Vilas Zoo, County Executive Melissa Agard announced Tuesday. Mitchell’s appointment still requires confirmation by the Dane County Board. If approved, he is expected to begin the job in late October. Mitchell has more than 30 years of experience in zoo operations, animal care, education and conservation. Since 2020, he has served as manager and director of Saskatoon Forestry Farm Park and Zoo in Saskatchewan, where he led daily operations, strategic planning, fundraising and accreditation efforts. During his time in Saskatoon, the zoo received recognition for habitat and education-program design. It also secured five-year accreditation from Canada’s Accredited Zoos and Aquariums and earned accreditation from the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums last year. Earlier in his career, Mitchell spent more than a decade at Chicago’s John G. Shedd Aquarium, working in animal husbandry, education and public outreach, research, breeding programs and conservation. His other experience includes positions at Brookfield Zoo, Sea Life Minnesota, the Cincinnati Zoo and Henson Robinson Zoo. “Jeff brings the experience, knowledge and positive leadership we need as we look to the future of the Henry Vilas Zoo,” Agard said. She added that she expects him to work with zoo staff and build on the institution’s existing foundation. Mitchell said he was honored to join the Henry Vilas Zoo team and highlighted the zoo’s status as one of North America’s few admission-free, community-supported zoos. “Henry Vilas Zoo holds a special place in the community and has an important role in conservation, education and creating meaningful connections with wildlife,” he said. Janine Wachter has served as interim director for most of the year. She previously was deputy director at the Alliant Energy Center. Wachter stepped into the interim role after Ronda Schwetz announced her retirement in February following nearly 15 years as zoo director.