Ellen Trout Zoo welcomes new director

LUFKIN, Texas (KTRE) - Ryan Gulker has been named new director for the Ellen Trout Zoo.

“I always knew that I wanted to be at level where I would have an impact and do good things,” said Gulker.

Over the past five weeks, Gulker has been learning daily operations and meeting staff. He’s no stranger to working with animals, as Gulker has previously worked at several zoos across the country, including Kansas and Minnesota. However, with his first visit to the Pineywoods, Gulker said he could tell it’s one of a kind.

“The landscaping, the topography, is something a lot of zoos would envy. The ability to grow things that are here, the way the zoo looks is very attractive and the potential for future development,” he said.

Former zoo director Gordan Henely has given Gulker a warm welcome to the community. Henley retired after nearly 50 years in January.

“As a new person in the community, he has really helped me; moving forward and he’ll continue to do that… he’s very interested that the zoo is great in the future,” said Gulker.

Gulker’s priorities include implementing a five-year strategic plan including new design plans. He hopes to see the community have a voice in what they do at the zoo and what they might want to see in the future

“It will help us identify where we do really good, things we do well, where we need to improve and how we get there,” he said.

Gulker also wants to discover new ways with staff, to create more experiences for visitors.

“So, when people come to the zoo, what they see, what they do when they’re there is enhanced and provides more opportunity,” said Gulker.