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Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Congratulations Ann Konopik


If I've said it once, I've said it a thousand times, this is the hardest working woman in the City of Salisbury.

After 20+ years of working for the Salisbury Zoo, Ann has finally been promoted into a respectable position and will become the first female to take on the role as Curator of the Salisbury Zoo.

Gary Muir, (who has been with the Zoo for more than 30 years) is stepping down to take a less stressful role and will without a doubt enjoy the rest of his stay with the Salisbury Zoo in a role in which he feels more comfortable.

Getting back to Ann. Ann was the first woman to be hired at the Salisbury Zoo and quite frankly has been put through a living hell for many of her first years on the job. The men that had been working there fully believed this was not a place for a woman and believe me, they treated Ann that way for years. Rather than giving in and walking away, Ann continued to prove herself over the years and became respected world wide for her involvement and knowledge with Bears. Poopsie was just recognized recently for having her 35th Birthday and is the oldest living Spectacle Bear in captivity in the world.

Now that we have a new Mayor with a new vision, her getting this position along with the backing of Joel Hamilton, was a given. The Albero Household couldn't be more pleased. Ann will be working more closely with the AZA and record keeping, something the Salisbury Zoo has been lacking in for far too many years.

Enjoy your new role Ann, it's not only well past due, you've earned every one's respect and deserve it more than anyone ever has.

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

I have to agree with what has been written about this woman. I frequently visit the zoo just to take walks and enjoy the peace and serenity there. In all the years past I have always seen her with her hands in something..she is a worker. She was doing jobs that men do and she was doing it just as well. So yes she deserves the appreciation she is getting..Goes to show a woman can do a mans' work..

Anonymous said...

Congrats to the lady!

I gotta say, seems to me this new zoo director is a HUGE improvement over the previous one. The former guy seemed like a petulant child. Haven't seen much of the new guy, but I hear he's real pleasant and mellow.

And congrats to the zoo, too!

Anonymous said...

I think this is the Ann I've known for years. She has also worked for another company part-time and raised her children. Congratulations!

Sis' Bro said...

Kudos to Ann!

Jack K Richards said...

Would like to congratulate Gary Muir on his tenure with the zoo. Aside from being a super nice guy, he has always been a credit to the zoo. (And he is not a bad tennis player either) Good luck on whatever you choose to do, Gary. jackkcharl@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Hurray for Ann, the Zoo, and Salisbury. We are definately on the right track!

Anonymous said...

The best man for the job is a woman.

Anonymous said...

2:49, No such thing as "mans work"

Anonymous said...

Congrats Ann, long time coming.

Sis' Bro said...

1972:JMB(5) v. WIHI(4)

Me (6-1,6-1)
Gary (1-6,1-6)

If we played today,I'd be lucky to get 6 points.I can't cover the court like I used to. Too many(cough) cigs (cough)!