Frank Ruttenberg has had his decades of service to the San Antonio Zoological Society recognised, with his appointment as the new president of the association.

A board member for over two decades, Ruttenberg has served on the executive committee as secretary, treasurer, and 1st and 2nd vice president. His long-held passion for San Antonio Zoo dates back to his start at the attraction, where he would initially work as a tour bus operator.

Ruttenberg takes over from outgoing president Chris Bathie, who has been serving in the role for four years ‒ a period in which almost US$30m (€26.26m, £22.97m) has been invested in the institution, with the opening of the Will Smith Zoo School (the largest nature-based preschool in the US), and well over 100 animal habitats being renovated. Bathie leaves with a masterplan for the next 20 years, including significant expansion, already in place.

"Frank Ruttenberg is recognised as a well-respected, passionate leader, both within the San Antonio Zoological Society and in our city," said Tim Morrow, chief executive officer at San Antonio Zoo. "His long history with our zoo will help guide our future, which is very exciting for our team."

Ruttenberg described the appointment as a great honour, adding: "Our San Antonio Zoological Society is dedicated to securing a future for wildlife. Our board understands this is a great responsibility. With the help of our ambassadors from the animal kingdom, who we care for as though they were our own family members, it is our mission to educate people to the importance of wildlife, and to inspire people to actively engage in conservation and preservation efforts that are now critical."

A number of officer positions have also been filled on the society’s board, with William A. "Billy" Freed becoming 1st vice president, Sara Stumberg Walker as 2nd vice president, Todd L. Brockwell taking on treasurer duties, and Norborne P. Cole Jnr stepping up as secretary.