[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 130 (Thursday, September 11, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1392]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  IN RECOGNITION OF MARY HEALY AND HER CONTRIBUTIONS TO OUR COMMUNITY

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                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 11, 2014

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in tribute to Ms. Mary Healy, a 
valued community leader who recently passed away. Ms. Healy was the 
director and chief executive officer of the Sacramento Zoo as well as a 
leading advocate for engaging the community in the preservation and 
understanding of animals in their natural habitat. As her family, 
colleagues and friends gather to honor and remember her wonderful life, 
I ask all my colleagues to join me in saluting one of Sacramento's most 
respected figures.
  Ms. Healy began her career in 1975 as a bird keeper at the Riverbanks 
Zoo and Garden in Columbia, South Carolina. Following a stint at the 
San Antonio Zoo and Walt Disney World's Discovery Island in Orlando, 
Ms. Healy came to Sacramento in 1999. Under Ms. Healy's leadership, the 
Sacramento Zoo saw growth in attendance and improvements to its 
physical setting. During her tenure, a full-scale veterinary hospital 
was built and new habitats were constructed and old structures 
renovated for a number of animals including giraffes and North American 
river otters. She focused on improving quality of life for the animals 
and advancing the experience for zoo guests.
  Ms. Healy's passion and commitment resonated in her work and will not 
be forgotten by the Sacramento community. Her dedication to advocating 
for animals is unmatched and she took pride in educating our youth. She 
knew each animal's name and background and was often found teaching zoo 
guests about the animal's unique features or the exhibit's purpose at 
the zoo.
  In addition to her work in Sacramento, Ms. Healy was a well-respected 
board member and former chair of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums 
and served on its accreditation commission. She was president of the 
California Association of Zoos and Aquariums and was one of nine 
international council members of the World Association of Zoos and 
Aquariums. Her vision to make Sacramento the best small zoo in America 
was highlighted in 2013, when she was recognized with a Women Who Mean 
Business Award by the Sacramento Business Journal.
  Mr. Speaker, as Ms. Healy's husband, Steve, and her colleagues, 
family and friends gather to celebrate her wonderful contributions to 
our community, I am honored to pay tribute to her. I ask all my 
colleagues to pause and join me in paying respect to an extraordinary 
woman, Ms. Mary Healy.

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