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Meet Our New President & CEO:

Dr. Michael Adkesson

During our 100-year history, the Chicago Zoological Society,
the organization that manages Brookfield Zoo, has had eight
exceptional leaders. In October 2021, a new president
& CEO was chosen—Dr. Michael Adkesson.
Learn about Dr. Adkesson and his vision
for the future of Brookfield Zoo.

f you’ve heard his name before, that’s because Mike Adkesson,
IDVM, MBA, Dipl. ACZM & ECZM, has been at Brookfield
Zoo since 2008—first as an associate veterinarian, then as a
valued member of the zoo’s management team. As vice president
of clinical medicine since 2012, he led a group of veterinary
professionals and oversaw the hospital operations of one of the
most premier zoo veterinary programs globally and provided
the medical care for several thousand animals at Brookfield Zoo.
Perhaps you saw Adkesson in a “Bringing the Zoo to You” or
“Dr. Mike’s Video Blog” online chat about animal medicine,
an anteater CT scan, or a vet checkup of a bottlenose dolphin.
Adkesson follows Stuart D. Strahl, Ph.D., who led the Chicago
Zoological Society through dramatic change over the past 18 years.
He was chosen by the CZS Board of Trustees after a long internation-
al search for Strahl’s successor. Board Chair Cherryl Thomas praised
Adkesson’s strong background in veterinary medicine, science, research,
and conservation, plus his training and experience in business and
management. “We are confident he will ensure Brookfield Zoo stays
at the forefront of conservation, that it continues to be a beloved place
in the hearts and minds of our visitors, and that he will take the
organization forward into the future,” said Thomas.
Among his peers, Adkesson is known for his contributions to
the scientific literature, training and mentoring hundreds of veterinary
students and residents, and his presentations at professional confer-
ences around the world. Dr. Mads Bertelsen, zoological director of
Denmark’s Copenhagen Zoo, served with Adkesson on the board
of a professional organization: “I got to know him as hard working,
motivated, ambitious, and truly visionary—but most of all, just
a nice guy.”

Left: A reticulated giraffe at HABITAT AFRICA! THE SAVANNAH enjoys a visit with Dr. Adkesson.

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