The Passing of the Batton at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is preparing to welcome its new Chief Executive, Dr Meg Rutledge, who will begin her role on Monday 15 June.

Dr Rutledge brings more than 15 years of conservation leadership experience across New Zealand and the United States. Her career spans senior roles in wildlife conservation, environmental management, and zoo leadership, including work with the New Zealand Department of Conservation, where she contributed to national conservation initiatives.

She has also held leadership roles in the non-profit conservation sector in the United States, where she led organisations focused on protecting land and freshwater ecosystems for future generations. In addition, she has served as President of the New Zealand Zoo and Aquarium Association, contributing to the advancement of professional standards and collaboration across the zoo and aquarium sector.

And as we welcome Meg to Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, we farewell the great Karen Fifield MNZM, who has led the Zoo since 2006.

During her nearly two decades of leadership at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, Karen has played a transformative role in advancing animal welfare, sustainability, and conservation.

In addition to this, Karen has held influential leadership positions at both regional and international levels, serving fourteen years on the ZAA Board from 2000-2004 and again from 2008 – 2018, as President of ZAA from 2011–2015 and, more recently, as President of the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums 2023-2025.

Karen’s leadership has inspired countless people, and her deep care for animals, people, and nature has earned her enormous respect and admiration across the sector. She is widely recognised for her unwavering commitment to strengthening professional standards throughout the Australasian region and the global WAZA network, as well as for championing strategic partnerships that elevate the role of zoos and aquariums as powerful community spaces for connection, learning, and conservation action.

Her vision, passion and commitment have helped shape a more progressive and purpose-driven future for the sector, securing her reputation as an influential zoo / aquarium leader and an inspiration to many.

Karen Fifield leaves a significant legacy and will be very much missed.