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IN HONOR OF JOHN WALCZAK'S RETIREMENT AND SERVICE TO LOUISVILLE
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HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH
of kentucky
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 13, 2021
Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John Walczak, the longtime Director of the Louisville Zoo, as he enters retirement.
John joined the Louisville Zoo in 1985 and assumed the role of Director in 2004, just a few years before I got to Congress. In my first year, I got to take a behind-the-scenes tour with John where I had the good fortune to spend a day interacting and playing with the animals. I felt like a kid all over again, and it's a day I'll never forget.
I also saw firsthand the attention and love that John and his staff brought to every animal in their care. It's a passion that has spread throughout our community and the tens of thousands of Louisville families who have happy memories at the zoo.
The Louisville Zoo has long been an asset to our community, but in John's 35 years there, its place in our hearts has solidified and grown. During his esteemed tenure, John oversaw the construction of several award-winning exhibits, including the Gorilla Forest and Glacier Run, and created renowned educational programs that taught our community about the beauty of the natural world. In the last 17 months when threats to public health seemed impossible to avoid, John and his team quickly adapted, ensuring that the zoo could be a safe place for families to enjoy.
Under John's leadership, the Louisville Zoo has won the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' Significant Achievement in Education Award for the School and Zoo program, introducing hundreds of children to the importance of wildlife conservation. He also facilitated the creation of the Little Penguin Conservation Center and the Cub House, the Zoo's first early childhood learning space. After over 35 years of service, John's commitment to his staff, his community, and the animals under his care has helped establish the Louisville Zoo as one of Kentucky's finest cultural institutions.
In short, the Louisville Zoo is an absolute treasure to our community and the region, touching and improving countless lives, and providing a happy home for nature's wonders. John Walczak is a huge reason why, and we are grateful for his service.
On behalf of the people of Kentucky's Third Congressional District and the city of Louisville, thank you, Mr. Walczak, for your leadership and service. I wish you the best in your retirement.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 146
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