Lisa Peterson, who has led San Diego Zoo Safari Park since 2017, is leaving to take the president/CEO job at the Houston Zoo in June.
Peterson has served as a senior vice president and executive director of Safari Park, overseeing the operation of the 1,800-acre park located in San Pasqual Valley. The park near Escondido is home to more than 3,000 animals representing over 300 species and also boasts a vast accredited botanical garden. Peterson’s last day will be April 25, a zoo spokesperson said.
Peterson’s announcement comes just days after her boss, Paul Baribault, stepped down as CEO and president of the nonprofit that runs both the San Diego Zoo and San Diego Zoo Safari Park. Baribault had headed that organization for nearly six years.
Before ing San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, then known as San Diego Zoo Global, Peterson worked 25 years in the hospitality industry, including work with the Summerfield Hotel Company, later purchased by IHG, and two stints as regional vice president at White Lodging, according to her biography on LinkedIn. She also led several retail teams at Apple’s flagship location in San Francisco.
While at Safari Park, Peterson oversaw the opening of the Walkabout Australia habitat in 2018 and supervised the development of the still-under-construction Denny Sanford Elephant Valley habitat, which is slated to open in 2026.
Peterson was paid $501,018 in compensation and “other” benefits in 2023, according to data filed with the IRS and compiled by ProPublica.
“Lisa’s ion for wildlife conservation, her belief in culture and belonging, and her drive for innovation have transformed the Safari Park into a world-class symbol of hope for the future of our planet,” a Safari Park statement said. “Her work has also strengthened our mission to connect people with wildlife and highlight the importance of conservation.”
Zoo officials said Vice President and Deputy Director Pat McTigue will serve as the interim executive director of Safari Park while a national search is launched to replace Peterson.
Peterson was quoted in a Houston Zoo statement, issued Wednesday, saying she was excited about her new position and about working with “this team to connect communities with animals while inspiring action to save wildlife.” She could not immediately be reached for comment.
Six months ago, Peterson ed the Board of Directors of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, according to her LinkedIn page. That leadership post with the AZA, a nonprofit group that serves as an accrediting body for zoos and aquariums, was noticed by Houston Zoo leaders.
“Lisa’s blend of executive experience, ion for wildlife and leadership in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums made her the clear choice,” Houston Zoo board Chair Joe Cleary said in a statement. “We’re eager for her to start in June.”
The Houston Zoo attracts more than 2 million visitors annually. Safari Park attracted more than 1.6 million visitors in 2022, the most recent attendance figure available.
