The End Of A Leadership Era For Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo

After nearly 20 years at the helm of one of Wellington’s most iconic organisations, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, Chief Executive Karen Fifield MNZM is bidding farewell to Lions, Tigers and Bears – oh my!

“Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo is my pride and joy,” Karen says. “It is with a full heart that I am leaving this magical place at the end of April 2026, coinciding with the celebration of the Zoo’s 120th anniversary.”

Originally from Australia, Karen’s zoological career began at Taronga Conservation Society Australia and Zoos Victoria before she joined Te Nukuao in 2006. Alongside her Chief Executive role, she has also been the President of the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia and is currently the President of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). In 2016, Karen became a Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit MNZM for services to Business and Animal Welfare. In 2023, she was recognised as one of the Power 10 Zoo and Aquarium Blooloop Top 50 Influencers internationally.

“Leading a zoo is a complex, emotionally charged position and it is filled with such privilege and enormous scope to do good for people, animals and the planet.

“I am so proud of how we have transformed the Zoo into a world leading, award winning exemplar for animal welfare, visitor experience, conservation and sustainability.”

Under Karen’s leadership, Te Nukuao has celebrated many achievements. In 2009, Te Kōhanga The Nest, a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, opened. The Zoo was the first Toitū carbon zero-certified zoo in the world in 2013 and won the inaugural WAZA Environmental Sustainability Award in 2018. The Zoo has been Qualmark-certified since 2009 and is Rainbow Tick-certified. In 2024, Mana Whenua gifted the Zoo its te reo name, Te Nukuao Tūroa o Te Whanganui a Tara, which tells the story of the Zoo’s commitment to conservation and care for communities, wildlife and wild places.

In conjunction with all these achievements, the highlight of the job has always been the animals.

“We are privileged to care for over 500 animals at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo and they are loved by our team and the Wellington community. Some have been here for the whole time I’ve been here (or longer!) and have special places in my heart.

“I had a special ‘good morning’ ritual with Jessie the Chimp, who died last year, and I still miss her; Zahara the Giraffe who was two years old when I arrived, Sasa the Sun Bear who was born the week I started at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo, and Robyn and Vilson the White Cheeked Gibbons with their lovely morning songs.

“All the animals are perfect in their own way, and I value their trust in us and the special relationships they have with our people and the community.”

The wider team has also been instrumental in the Zoo’s achievements.

“From the Board right through the organisation, our roles are not just jobs but often a life calling to protect the planet by caring for animals and telling their stories to others so we can all share in the wonder of nature all around us,” says Karen.

“I feel very lucky and grateful to have found ‘my people’ in the zoo world.”

As Karen prepares to take a step back from the Zoo frontline and pursue governance opportunities, she reflects on 20 years at Te Nukuao.

“Next year, Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo will celebrate its 120th anniversary. We were the first zoo in New Zealand and the first conservation organisation in Wellington. We’re a boutique but mighty Zoo that leads on a world stage.

“Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo has meant so much to me and always will. I can’t wait to see what happens in the next twenty years at this magical, lovely iconic place.”

Karen will remain at Te Nukuao Wellington Zoo until April 2026 and assist the Board with the leadership transition.

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