Ella Casey now serves as the Assistant Zoo Director after working the last four years as the Zoo’s Marketing/Development Officer. In this new capacity, Casey will continue to oversee the Zoo’s marketing and development efforts, while taking a more significant role in the institution’s daily operations.
“This promotion speaks not only to Ella’s tremendous contributions but also to our efforts to strive for excellence,” said Scott Shoemaker, Zoo Director. “In this new position, Ella will be integral as we pursue a major renovation of our Asian Trail, a new master plan, and our continued work to meet modern Zoological practices.”
Casey’s Zoo career began in high school where she worked in Sunset’s concession stand and then went on to serve as a marketing intern in college. After graduating from Kansas State University with a degree in Business Administration/Marketing and a minor in Leadership Studies, Casey served as the Director of the Kansas Mentors program and as a Development Officer for the KSU Foundation. Casey returned to Sunset in 2011. In addition to public service, Casey has a passion for building the state’s capacity to exercise leadership. She is alum of the Wichita-based Kansas Leadership Center and instructs an evening course at K-State’s Staley School of Leadership Studies.
“I love Manhattan. I love Sunset Zoo. And to be able to work for a place that has such a profound impact on our community’s quality of life is truly a gift for me,” said Casey.
Kirk Nemechek, Zoo Curator of Animal Care
Kirk Nemechek is now serving as Zoo Curator of Animal Care, previously serving as Sunset’s Head Keeper. In this new role, Nemechek will oversee the Zoo’s animal care operations including managing a team of 10 keeper staff and overseeing the care of 200+ animal residents.
“Kirk brings a wealth of knowledge to this position with over 20 years experience in the Zoo profession,” said Shoemaker. “In his time at Sunset, he has shown time and time again an exceptional work ethic combined with a genuine passion for the well being of the people and animals around him.”
For over 12 years, Nemechek served as the General Curator at Rolling Hills Zoo in Salina, KS, helping to develop and build the sixty-five acre park from the ground up. In this role, Nemechek oversaw the design, construction and maintenance of animal exhibits; acquisition and care of the animal collection; and the development of the policies and staff to create a successful animal management team. After leaving Rolling Hills, Nemechek also served as Director of Tupelo Buffalo Park and Zoo in Tupelo, MS and Zoo Director of Wisconsin ARKS in Colfax, WI before returning to Kansas in 2011 to serve as Sunset’s Head Keeper for the past four-and-a-half years. Nemechek has also served in the United States Marine Corps and is a native Kansan, hailing from Abilene.
“The growth at Sunset Zoo is exciting as we tackle the renovation of the tiger and sloth bear exhibits, as well as the master plan,” said Nemechek. “I’m looking forward to the future.”
