Sunset Zoo is very excited to announce its new Director, Dr. Kaleigh Reyes! Dr. Reyes is new to Manhattan from Bangor, Maine where she was a Professor of Animal Behavior at Husson University. Dr. Reyes also previously served as a Gorilla Scientist at Basel Zoo in Switzerland.
Dr. Reyes completed her Ph.D. in Biological Anthropology from the University of Toronto (UofT) in 2025 with a focus in primatology and specialization in great ape cognition, welfare, and behavior. In addition, she has a deep passion for ornithological science and welfare, partially inspired by her two pet African Grey Parrots, Zoey and Rocky. At UofT, Dr. Reyes served on various university and government review boards for animal ethical compliance (IACUC & CCAC) to contribute her expertise on primate and avian welfare.
Throughout her twelve-year career in primatology, Dr. Reyes has conducted ethical, scientific research on primates and parrots in human care at zoos across North America and Europe and with nonprofit ape conservation organizations. Dr. Reyes has also conducted numerous field sessions with wild chimpanzees and parrots in Senegal (West Africa) during her master’s degree at Texas State University and in Uganda (East Africa) during her bachelor’s degree at Indiana University Bloomington in her home state. Today, Dr. Reyes continues to pursue ethical, free-choice participation research which aims to increase the lived experience, health, and overall welfare of animals.
Dr. Reyes is excited to continue her commitment to animal welfare in her new role as Director of the Sunset Zoo in Manhattan. Drawing on her academic background, she looks forward to strengthening and developing collaborative partnerships with Kansas State University. Coming from a small town herself, Dr. Reyes places a strong value on local community engagement and is eager to work alongside local businesses and organizations to build meaningful connections through future collaborations that support both the Zoo and the surrounding community.
City of Manhattan Parks and Recreation Director, Aaron Stewart commented, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Reyes to the Sunset Zoo team. She brings a wealth of experience and proven leadership that will complement the strong foundation already in place. We look forward to the positive impact she will have on the Zoo’s continued growth and service to the Manhattan community.”
Dr. Reyes is thrilled to join the exceptional staff at Sunset Zoo, build upon the legacy established by longtime Director Scott Shoemaker, and begin this new chapter in the wonderful community of Manhattan. She will began her new role on January 26, 2026.
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