H.R. No. 780
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Lee Ehmke announced his retirement as president and
CEO of the Houston Zoo in September 2024, after nearly a decade of
dedicated service to that institution; and
WHEREAS, Hired in 2015, Mr. Ehmke has led the Houston Zoo in
becoming a premier wildlife conservation organization; his
accomplishments include completing the zoo's centennial campaign
and the first phase of its master plan, achieving a perfect
inspection by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and
establishing a variety of unique exhibits; under his guidance, the
zoo has increased the reach and effectiveness of its wildlife
conservation efforts and created thousands of jobs in the Greater
Houston area; and
WHEREAS, Mr. Ehmke previously served as director and CEO of
the Minnesota Zoo and as president of the World Association of Zoos
and Aquariums, and he worked for the Wildlife Conservation Society
at the Bronx Zoo for 12 years; in recognition of his achievements,
he received the Heini Hediger Award from WAZA, and he was named one
of the Most Admired CEOs by the Houston Business Journal in 2023;
and
WHEREAS, Lee Ehmke has made significant contributions to
advancing the mission of the Houston Zoo, and he may reflect with
pride on a career well spent as he embarks on the next exciting
chapter of his life; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 89th Texas
Legislature hereby congratulate Lee Ehmke on his retirement as
president and CEO of the Houston Zoo and extend to him sincere best
wishes for the future; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for Mr. Ehmke as an expression of high regard by the Texas
House of Representatives.
Johnson
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 780 was adopted by the House on April
17, 2025, by the following vote: Yeas 131, Nays 9, 2 present, not
voting.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House