The decision to take the Toledo Zoo position has been a difficult decision to make and is bittersweet. I am very excited about taking the next steps of my career.

It is not based on her decision to stay in or drop out — a decision I'm not privy to, nor would I even venture a guess. She's a strong person and she makes her own choices and I've always respected her for that.

She was the first to commit, and her decision changed the complexion of our program at a very important time.

Kevin was not naive. He understood the world the way it is. He was always pretty sure of the decision he made.

It's quite large. It's involved. It has a lot of visual impact.

People still have a positive perception of the zoo.