The Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance president and CEO for the last seven years is stepping down this month.

In a news release Wednesday, the DZCA announced the departure of President and CEO Bert Vescolani, who officials said led initiatives that have evolved the zoo into what it is today.

“The time is right for me to pass the baton and advance my conservation impact in a new way,” Vescolani said in the release.

“The work we do changes lives — both human and animal — and it has been a privilege to be part of it,” he said. “None of this would have been possible without our dedicated staff, volunteers, partners, board members, supporters, and community, who make DZCA extraordinary.”

Vescolani led a $100 million reinvestment into the zoo. 

Under Vescolani, the zoo opened new animal exhibits each year, including the Sea Lion exhibit, DZCA officials said. Vescolani oversaw the completion of the veterinary hospital,  increased DZCA’s donor base, created new programming and introduced Denver Zoo’s rebrand into the conservation alliance, according to the DZCA.

“Serving DZCA has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” Vescolani said in the release.

Other colleagues praised Vescolani for his work.

“His commitment to excellence is evident in the outstanding senior management team he built  and in the Zoo’s strong financial position,” Chair of the DZCA Board of Governors Dr. Charles Scoggin said in the release.

Under Vescolani, Scoggin added, “DZCA reached significant milestones.”

DZCA COO Cristal Torres DeHerrera will serve as acting president and CEO as the zoo conducts a national search for its next president.

The DZCA is located in east Denver along East 23rd Avenue, just north of Denver City Park. The zoo is home to more than 2,500 animals among 450 species. DZCA is a global nonprofit wildlife conservation focused on saving wildlife and habitats.