[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 146 (Friday, August 13, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E893]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    IN HONOR OF JOHN WALCZAK'S RETIREMENT AND SERVICE TO LOUISVILLE

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN A. YARMUTH

                              of kentucky

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 13, 2021

  Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John 
Walczak, the longtime Director of the Louisville Zoo, as he enters 
retirement.
  John joined the Louisville Zoo in 1985 and assumed the role of 
Director in 2004, just a few years before I got to Congress. In my 
first year, I got to take a behind-the-scenes tour with John where I 
had the good fortune to spend a day interacting and playing with the 
animals. I felt like a kid all over again, and it's a day I'll never 
forget.
  I also saw firsthand the attention and love that John and his staff 
brought to every animal in their care. It's a passion that has spread 
throughout our community and the tens of thousands of Louisville 
families who have happy memories at the zoo.
  The Louisville Zoo has long been an asset to our community, but in 
John's 35 years there, its place in our hearts has solidified and 
grown. During his esteemed tenure, John oversaw the construction of 
several award-winning exhibits, including the Gorilla Forest and 
Glacier Run, and created renowned educational programs that taught our 
community about the beauty of the natural world. In the last 17 months 
when threats to public health seemed impossible to avoid, John and his 
team quickly adapted, ensuring that the zoo could be a safe place for 
families to enjoy.
  Under John's leadership, the Louisville Zoo has won the Association 
of Zoos and Aquariums' Significant Achievement in Education Award for 
the School and Zoo program, introducing hundreds of children to the 
importance of wildlife conservation. He also facilitated the creation 
of the Little Penguin Conservation Center and the Cub House, the Zoo's 
first early childhood learning space. After over 35 years of service, 
John's commitment to his staff, his community, and the animals under 
his care has helped establish the Louisville Zoo as one of Kentucky's 
finest cultural institutions.
  In short, the Louisville Zoo is an absolute treasure to our community 
and the region, touching and improving countless lives, and providing a 
happy home for nature's wonders. John Walczak is a huge reason why, and 
we are grateful for his service.
  On behalf of the people of Kentucky's Third Congressional District 
and the city of Louisville, thank you, Mr. Walczak, for your leadership 
and service. I wish you the best in your retirement.

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