Fresno Zoo's Longtime Leader Announces Retirement

By David Taub, Senior Reporter

Published 5 years ago on

March 6, 2020

After 11 years of having elephants and giraffes as coworkers, Scott Barton is hanging up his safari hat as CEO of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo.
Barton announced his retirement this week.
“I am very proud of our accomplishments over the past 11 years and am always impressed by the remarkable support for Fresno Chaffee Zoo from our community,” Barton said in a news release. “Our team’s mission has always been to provide the Central Valley with a sustainable, world-class zoo experience. I’m confident the next generation of leadership will continue this vision at the Zoo.”
The zoo named Barton CEO in 2009. He will stay through the fall to provide a transition to his successor.
Last year, more than 819,000 guests passed through the turnstiles. The zoo boasts 18,000 membership households.

Measure Z Leads to New Exhibits

“I am very proud of our accomplishments over the past 11 years and am always impressed by the remarkable support for Fresno Chaffee Zoo from our community.” — Scott Barton, retiring CEO

Barton oversaw the implementation of the original Measure Z in 2004 and helped lead in its extension in 2014. Voters approved the county sales tax each time, directing one-tenth of a cent for zoo projects.
The zoo delivered with such exhibits as Sea Lion Cove, African Adventure, and the Dino Dig.
The Fresno Chaffee Zoo says Measure Z has raised $110 million over the last ten years.

Praise from All Around

Fresno Mayor Lee Brand commended Barton’s tenure.
“Scott has truly transformed Fresno Chaffee Zoo into one of California’s leading zoos and a first-class experience. A strong leader with a vibrant vision, Scott is deeply committed to the welfare of animals in his charge and he’s leaving big shoes to fill,” Brand said.
The zoo, which is run by the non-profit Fresno Chaffee Zoo Corporation, says a nationwide search will be conducted for Barton’s replacement.

DON'T MISS

‘It’s Living Hell’: Nurses Say CA Addiction Recovery Program Ended Their Careers

DON'T MISS

Santa Who? Bizarre Christmas Traditions Stealing the Holiday Spotlight

DON'T MISS

New Decisions Boost California’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Mandate, but Major Hurdles Remain

DON'T MISS

Only $20K More to Bring Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to Fresno

DON'T MISS

Jeffrey Sachs Warns of Looming US War With Iran

DON'T MISS

Cat House on the Kings Urgently Needs You to Donate Dollars and Adopt Your New Best Friend

DON'T MISS

The Surprising Sexual Politics of Nicole Kidman’s Kinky ‘Babygirl’

DON'T MISS

Why It’s Hard to Control What Gets Taught in Public Schools

DON'T MISS

FDA Approves Weight-Loss Drug to Treat Obstructive Sleep Apnea

DON'T MISS

In a Calendar Rarity, Hanukkah Starts This Year on Christmas Day

UP NEXT

Cat House on the Kings Urgently Needs You to Donate Dollars and Adopt Your New Best Friend

UP NEXT

This French Bulldog Is So Fetch: Meet Toaster Strudel

UP NEXT

Clovis Residents Can Draw the City’s Next Election Map

UP NEXT

Fresno County Driver Escapes Injury After Falling Asleep, Overturning Vehicle

UP NEXT

Corcoran Prison Guard, Inmate Accused of Orchestrating Assault on Other Inmate

UP NEXT

Visalia Police Arrest 8, Seize Guns and Drugs

UP NEXT

Next Phase of Friant-Kern Canal Repairs Begins With Intense Scrutiny of Study Contract

UP NEXT

Time to Celebrate! $1M Gift Tops Off Fundraising Goal for Marjaree Mason Center

UP NEXT

Kings County Man Arrested in Child Molestation Case Identified

UP NEXT

Visalia Police Seek Public’s Help in Finding Missing At-Risk Man

David Taub,

Senior Reporter

Curiosity drives David Taub. The award-winning journalist might be shy, but feels mighty with a recorder in his hand. He doesn't see it his job to "hold public officials accountable," but does see it to provide readers (and voters) the information needed to make intelligent choices. Taub has been honored with several writing awards from the California News Publishers Association. He's just happy to have his stories read. Joining GV Wire in 2016, Taub covers politics, government and elections, mainly in the Fresno/Clovis area. He also writes columns about local eateries (Appetite for Fresno), pro wrestling (Off the Bottom Rope), and media (Media Man). Prior to joining the online news source, Taub worked as a radio producer for KMJ and PowerTalk 96.7 in Fresno. He also worked as an assignment editor for KCOY-TV in Santa Maria, California, and KSEE-TV in Fresno. He has also worked behind the scenes for several sports broadcasts, including the NCAA basketball tournament, and the Super Bowl. When not spending time with his family, Taub loves to officially score Fresno Grizzlies games. Growing up in the San Francisco Bay Area, Taub is a die-hard Giants and 49ers fan. He graduated from the University of Michigan with dual degrees in communications and political science. Go Blue! You can contact David at 559-492-4037 or at Send an Email