When Gary Geddes arrived in Eatonville in 1981, Northwest Trek was just six years old. Nineteen years later, he was appointed director of zoological and environmental education for Metro Parks Tacoma, which put him in charge of the wildlife park and Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium. Now, as he prepares to retire next month after 35 years with Metro Parks Tacoma, both facilities are thriving and showcasing endangered and threatened species while educating the community about the animals. Each has a nationally recognized record of excellence in conservation work. And both recently set all-time attendance records. Geddes, 66, has announced he will retire on Jan. 9. He plans to spend time with his family, indulge his passion for the outdoors, and continue volunteering locally. “Although I am leaving one conservation organization of which I am extremely proud, I will remain active in the community and find new ways to participate in the protection of wildlife and the environment,” Geddes said. “Most importantly, I’ll have more time to spend with my family, particularly my growing grandchildren.” Jack Wilson, executive director of Metro Parks Tacoma for the past 17 years, praised Geddes’ commitment to the community, to wildlife conservation, and to his staff in the Zoological and Environmental Education Department. “Gary has made a significant contribution to this community as a result of his leadership and dedication to the mission of Northwest Trek and Point Defiance Zoo,” Wilson said. “These two facilities are among the very best accredited zoos in the nation.” A decision on how and when to fill Geddes’ position is pending, according to Metro Parks officials. Northwest Trek marked its 40th anniversary last year and set its all-time annual attendance record of 214,697 – more than double the turnout of 103,676 in Geddes' first year with Trek. The new record stood until September this year, which means every day Trek is open for the rest of the 2016, the mark will go higher. “It is gratifying to know how far we have come with new exhibits, accreditation, professional staff and conservation programs,” Geddes said. Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium also set an attendance record in 2015, with 732,208 visitors passing through its turnstiles. When Geddes gained overall responsibility for the zoo in 2000, attendance was about 510,000. Last year, the zoo and Northwest Trek each received the Quarter Century Award from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) for more than 25 years of continuous accreditation. The latter was accomplished through AZA's inspection processes that occurs every five years. Metro Parks officials noted that during Geddes’ tenure, the conservation legacies of the facilities grew with their attendance. In recent years, Northwest Trek was twice awarded the North American Conservation Award from AZA for efforts to save the endangered Oregon spotted frog and the Columbia Basin pygmy rabbit. In addition, Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium is a conservation partner in worldwide efforts to save endangered species. The Zoo Society’s Dr. Holly Reed Wildlife Conservation Fund, using donations from zoo visitors, members and others, has awarded more than $1.2 million to conservation research and wildlife protection efforts at home and abroad over the last 14 years. The zoo is the national leader in bringing the endangered red wolf back from the brink of extinction and is known across the nation and around the world for its participation in efforts to preserver species such as the Sumatran tiger and spotted leopard. “In each of these cases where we’ve succeeded, it’s been through the hard work, expertise and intellect of a very talented group of employees who care deeply about the conservation of species and protection of the environment,” Geddes said. Geddes is respected by his industry peers, said Kris Vehrs, interim president of AZA. “Like many of his colleagues, Gary has dedicated his professional career to advancing efforts to save wildlife from extinction and educating the public about what is necessary to do that,” Vehrs said. “Whether it is tiger or shark or elephant conservation, Gary has supported efforts to contribute to important wildlife conservation projects."
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