Scott Maddox has been named President and CEO of Caldwell Zoo. (Contributed Photo)

Scott Maddox has been named president and CEO of Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, a cornerstone of the East Texas community.

“Scott was the obvious choice to assume this position,” said Kevin Eltife, chairman of the zoo’s board of directors. “His vast experience with Caldwell Zoo and his natural leadership are unmatched. The Maddox family has a history of caring and giving back to our community.”

Eltife said that in his new role, Maddox “will continue to give back to this community and make sure that Caldwell Zoo is positioned to provide an incredible experience for families to visit and enjoy for generations to come.”

Having worked in just about every department, Maddox’s roles at the zoo include animal keeper, animal supervisor, area supervisor, curator, and assistant director. He has also maintained the position of Chief Operating Officer for the last five years.

“Scott has kept the zoo running, growing and evolving for quite some time,” Eltife added.

Maddox’s long-standing commitment has earned the respect of colleagues and leaders alike.

“I‘ve had the distinct pleasure of working with Scott Maddox for over 37 years,” said Hayes Caldwell, director emeritus of Caldwell Zoo, Inc. “His length of service is a testament to his dedication and care for the Zoo and the people who work there. His ability to juggle a great diversity of tasks has been a key component of the Zoo’s success. In his new role as President/CEO, I am sincerely looking forward to seeing him take the zoo that he loves into an even brighter future.”

While Maddox has often worked behind the scenes, he now steps into a highly visible leadership role. As President and CEO, he will oversee the zoo’s strategic direction, daily operations, and community engagement efforts. The position also includes responsibility for a multimillion-dollar budget, fundraising, conservation partnerships, and serving as the zoo’s public ambassador.

“I have seen first-hand, for over three decades, the level of care and commitment poured into the zoo by Hayes Caldwell,” Maddox said. “For 20-plus years, I have worked with Harriet McArthur and other members of The Caldwell Foundation, who have also shown that the zoo is truly a labor of love.”

That legacy stretches back decades. Caldwell Zoo began as a modest backyard facility in the 1930s, created by David King Caldwell as part of a community development initiative. It officially opened to the public in 1953 and has since grown into an 85-acre zoological park with more than 3,000 animals representing over 200 species. Habitats now span continents — from Africa and North America to South America — including the newest exhibit, Amazon River’s Edge.

“When you couple that with the fact that it all began in the backyard of D.K. and Lottie Caldwell about 75 years ago, you’re faced with a humbling reality,” Maddox said. “This isn’t just a job. I have been entrusted to carry on a legacy.”

Today, Caldwell Zoo is not only a beloved destination for family outings and school trips — it’s also a nationally recognized leader in wildlife conservation.

“This is a new chapter in the history of Caldwell Zoo, as we cross a new threshold and carry the legacy forward,” Maddox said. “With the formation of Caldwell Zoo, Inc., the support of an amazing group of founding board members, and the continued support of the Caldwell Foundation, we are inviting the community to partner with us in writing the next chapters in the story of Caldwell Zoo.”

According to officials, the zoo is renowned for being a center of family entertainment and wonderful education programs.

“The beloved Caldwell Zoo is in good hands,” the organization said in a press release. “Hands that come with tremendous experience, skill, and dedication. Scott’s expertise and leadership abilities have made him a highly sought-after asset by other organizations. Thankfully, for the community of Tyler and animal lovers everywhere, he has chosen to stay at Caldwell Zoo and carry it forward.”

Located at 2203 W. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. in Tyler, the zoo continues to champion its mission to protect endangered species through education, research, and breeding programs. It works closely with both local and national partners to contribute to global conservation efforts.

“Throughout all my roles at the zoo, I’ve been continually motivated by smiles, laughter, and looks of wonder when ‘kids’ of all ages experience something new with an animal,” he said. “Now, I look forward to exploring fun and exciting possibilities for the future that will keep the fun alive and continue to inspire appreciation and a sense of ownership in the stewardship of God’s amazing creation.”

For more information on Caldwell Zoo and its conservation efforts, visit caldwellzoo.org.