Becky Dewitz, director of Minot’s Roosevelt Park Zoo, will be moving on to a new job as chief executive officer of the Great Plains Zoo and Delbridge Museum of Natural History in Sioux Falls, S.D.

The announcement of her new job and subsequent departure was made this past week.

Dewitz’s hiring at the South Dakota zoo had much to do with her work while at Minot’s zoo.

“She has accomplished so much in her 14 years at Roosevelt Park Zoo, including building new lion and tiger exhibits. We know her experience and expertise will be a great asset to the zoo,” said Jeff Hugunin, chair of the Great Plains Zoo board when the board announced her hiring this past Monday.

He also credited her with her commitment to conservation, many relationships within the Association of Zoos and Aquariums including bringing the Minot zoo through AZA accreditation and the zoo’s recovery from the 2011 flood plus successful fundraising efforts.

In a story in Wednesday’s edition of The Minot Daily News, Dewitz said, “I love this zoo, the staff, our animals and our community.” She stressed how grateful she is of having been part of Roosevelt Park Zoo for the past 14 years in various capacities to her current role as director since 2016.

Thank you Becky for your commitment to Roosevelt Park Zoo and the local community. We wish you well in your new job.