FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WPTA21) - The man who has led the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo since 1994 will retire at the end of the 2020 season, the zoo announced on Tuesday.

Executive Director Jim Anderson is one of only two individuals to hold that role in the zoo's history. He succeeded founding executive director Earl Wells.

Under his guidance, additions and improvements have included the addition of the "Australian Adventure" section in 1986, the "Indonesian Rain Forest" a decade later and the "African Journey" in 2009.

Anderson's career at the zoo actually dates to 1976. He began there as a seasonal zoo keeper.

“While walking away from the place I’ve loved for 44 years is never easy, I’m confident there’s no better time for me to do so – and no better team to continue building our success than the one we have in place now,” Anderson said. “It’s been incredibly rewarding for me to work with so many dedicated employees, volunteers, and board members to create the Fort Wayne Children’s Zoo experience for 20 million guests during the time I have worked here.

"We have grown and improved – all while staying true to our founding ideals and remaining small and personal, clean and green, and full of engaging experiences and memories for our guests.”

The Fort Wayne Children's Zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals.

Other attractions include the Z.O.&O. Railroad, Sky Safari ride, Crocodile Creek boat ride and the Endangered Species Carousel.