Announcements

President & CEO, Dr. Clément Lanthier, Announces Intention to Retire

January 30, 2024 | 3 minute read

30 January 2024 (Calgary, AB) – After more than two decades of leading one of the most-respected wildlife conservation charities in North America, Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Clément Lanthier, has announced his intention to retire at the end of 2024.

“It has been an exceptional honour and privilege to lead and work alongside the thousands of amazing staff, volunteers, researchers, educators, partners, donors and others who have dedicated their lives to wildlife conservation and inspired millions of people who experienced the zoo over the years”, said Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo President & CEO, Dr. Clément Lanthier.

“My decision to retire was made with heavy consideration. It’s the right decision, at the right time for the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo, and for me and my family. I look forward to seeing the organization’s impact growing, the amazing talent flourishing and embracing endangered species stewardship in and ex-situ while continuing to provide fantastic and unique experiences for visitors to the zoo.”

“The Board of Directors would like to thank Dr. Lanthier for his tremendous service over the last 20 years and his contribution to the unprecedented growth of this organization,” said Barbara Conkie, Board Chair of the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo. “Carrying on Clément’s legacy, we will continue to make the world a wilder place.”

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo Board of Directors has formed an executive search committee to identify a CEO successor with assistance from an international executive search firm. Dr. Lanthier will continue to lead the organization until his successor is appointed.

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  • Please note: We will not be providing media interviews at this time regarding Dr. Lanthier’s retirement plans. We will provide a Media Opportunity to speak with Dr. Lanthier at a later date.
  • We have rebranded and appreciate you referring to us as “Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo” or “the zoo” in print and “the Wilder Institute and the Calgary Zoo” verbally. Thanks for helping us get the word out!

For more information contact:

Alison Archambault

Director, Brand & Engagement (403) 232-7766 | (403) 919-9482 | MediaRelations@CalgaryZoo.com

 

For more than 30 years, the internationally accredited Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo has been a leading authority in wildlife conservation, reintroducing threatened species to the wild and empowering communities to conserve natural resources to positively impact both the environment and local inhabitants.

While our work is global, our roots run deep in the Albertan conservation community. Sitting on 125 acres in the heart of the city, we operate one of the oldest charities in Alberta, the Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo – a not-for-profit charitable wildlife conservation organization that works to fight the extinction of plants and animals worldwide. In addition to the zoo, we proudly operate the Archibald Biodiversity Centre (ABC), Canada’s largest conservation breeding and research facility. Nestled on 330 acres in the Albertan prairies, the ABC is a stronghold for biodiversity and a temporary home to some of Canada’s most iconic species-at-risk.

The Wilder Institute/Calgary Zoo is passionate about inspiring and educating generations of visitors about the importance of biodiversity and conservation. Together, we will continue to be a force of nature for making the world a wilder place. Learn more at WilderInstitute.org and CalgaryZoo.com.