Les Whitt, beloved Director of the Alexandria Zoo, passed away this morning at 6:38am at Ochsner’s Medical Center in New Orleans after a brief illness.
Les had been Director of the Zoo since February of 1974, and worked tirelessly to build the Zoo into what it is today. He was passionate about the popular local attraction and was frequently praised by American zookeeper Jack Hanna. The zoo features more the 600 animals from around the globe.
Les was also responsible for the Louisiana Habitat exhibit, which received an award from Louisiana Contractors magazine for best public facility in 1998 and won an AZA award (Significant Achievement Award in 2002), as well as the zoo becoming accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks in 1986.
Les was utterly unique. Compassionate, generous, kind. He gave and gave and gave. Each of us who knew him, knew how blessed we were to share a few moments of our life with him.
Although what we’ve lost is tremendous, what he gave us is immeasurable.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Leann, Sarah, and Hannah, as well as the many others who knew and loved him.
Please take a moment to vote in the wesawthat poll.
I voted no, because I think perhaps a section of the zoo should be named in his honor.
The Louisiana Habitat exhibit perhaps.
What is your opinion?
Alex
http://wesawthat.blogspot.com/
