The Saint Louis Zoo has named a new director for WildCare Park following a national search.
Sabarras George, who has previously served in executive leadership roles at the Detroit Zoological Society (DZS), will begin his new role in St. Louis on Feb. 5. George replaces Jo-Elle Mogerman, who left in October to become president and CEO of Philadelphia Zoo
George has more than 25 years of executive leadership and operations experience. In Detroit, he most recently served as vice president of operations and facilities and as chief operating officer. He has also overseen all internal operations at the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Center, including multi-site facilities management, security, marketing, retail, grounds and construction on 125 acres. Prior to DZS, he worked as an executive vice president for Sparrow Health System in Lansing, Michigan, and as executive director of Sparrow Michigan Athletic Club.
George will be a member of the zoo’s executive staff and oversee the new WildCare Park in North St. Louis County, which is slated to open to the public in 2027.
When the $230-million, 245-acre park opens, there will be more than 250 animals living there.
In the last year and a half, work on the site has focused on demolition of a few older buildings, fence installation and grading around the perimeter of the property, restoration of 260 acres back to native grasses, construction of barns and a utility building, and renovation of the headquarters building with a new observation deck.
WildCare Park will offer unique outdoor adventures for visitors, from safaris to giraffe feeding and glamping. It will also be home to the Kent Family Conservation and Animal Science Center, a dedicated facility within the park to sustain endangered and threatened species.
