Who's Who: Meet Guest Operations Manager Weldon Maples

The Zoo's Guest Services Division ensures that visitors have a great experience when they come to the park. Today, Who's Who talks to Guest Operations Manager Weldon Maples, a Texas transplant who loves the change in seasons of his adopted home, even winter!
Name: Weldon Maples

Residence: Cleveland

Hometown: Lubbock, Texas

What do you do at the Zoo? I am the Guest Operations Manager. I oversee the teams responsible for the daily operations of the Zoo that affect the visitor experience including trams, access control, rides, lost and found, first aid, traffic flow, parking and temporary exhibits.

What was the first Zoo job you ever had? This one! Before moving to Cleveland, I was the Assistant Recreation Supervisor for the City of Lubbock responsible for aquatics, athletics and special events. Many of the skills that I learned in that job have transferred to my current job here at the Zoo.

Favorite animal: Any of the big cats

Favorite part of the Zoo: When I can get away from helping staff in the parking lots, I really enjoy the Northern Trek area, it’s very peaceful.

Why I work at the Zoo: I always wanted a job that gave me the opportunity to do something different every day and now I have it.

Best thing about living in Northeast Ohio (other than the Zoo, of course!): The change in seasons. It’s been a nice change since moving here from west Texas where there were only two . . . summer and hot!

A funny thing happened at the Zoo . . . When we had our Dinosaur exhibit and people would ask “are they real?”

One animal characteristic you wish you could have and why: I think I would like to be able to fly . . . it sure would make travel less expensive.


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