Mayor Roy’s remarks:
Thousands of families will never overcome this loss of a true son of Alexandria. From the Administration, the City Council, and every department, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the family, to the zoo community and its friends, and to all citizens of central Louisiana.
Les was given a second chance at life, an opportunity he made the most of, crafting a sustainable legacy that will live as long as Alexandria does. In addition to losing the indispensable leader of the city’s most recognized quality-of-life institution, artists and musicians lost a true friend and fellow professional–as did organ donor advocates. From production supervision to being a fine musician in his own right, Les served our community’s recreational and educational missions. As a zookeeper, he was routinely extolled by Jack Hanna as one of the industry’s best. As a musician, B.B. King counted Les a member of the family.
As a citizen, we know Les the paragon of selfless action for his fellow man–the highest contributor to others and his community, the one who does so from real altruism and deep character.
KALB is breaking the story online.
Les Whitt, beloved Director of the Alexandria Zoo, passed away this morning at 6:38am at Ochsner’s Medical Center in New Orleans after a brief illness.
Les had been Director of the Zoo since February of 1974, and worked tirelessly to build the Zoo into what it is today. He was passionate about the popular local attraction and was frequently praised by American zookeeper Jack Hanna. The zoo features more the 600 animals from around the globe.
Les was also responsible for the Louisiana Habitat exhibit, which received an award from Louisiana Contractors magazine for best public facility in 1998 and won an AZA award (Significant Achievement Award in 2002), as well as the zoo becoming accredited by the American Association of Zoological Parks in 1986.
Les was utterly unique. Compassionate, generous, kind. He gave and gave and gave. Each of us who knew him, knew how blessed we were to share a few moments of our life with him.
Although what we’ve lost is tremendous, what he gave us is immeasurable.
Our deepest sympathy goes out to Leann, Sarah, and Hannah, as well as the many others who knew and loved him
I’ve just learned the shocking and sad news that Alexandria’s beloved Zoo Director, Les Whitt, passed away this morning.
More later… I’m still in disbelief. It’s a devastating loss– not just for the Zoo but for the entire community.
See also: AlexCenla’s “We Lost a Good Man Today.”
CenLamar 