Lake Superior Zoo Names Noah Hobbs Permanent Executive Director

Noah Hobbs, a former Duluth City Council member who has run Lake Superior Zoo since August 25, 2025, was named permanent executive director of the Fremont Street institution Tuesday, ending a roughly seven-month interim stretch that began when his predecessor left for a tourism marketing role.

Hobbs stepped into the interim position after Haley Hedstrom departed to become executive director of Visit Duluth, the organization that markets the city to travelers. His elevation to the permanent post was announced Tuesday by the Lake Superior Zoo Board of Directors.

Dodie Brown, identified by the Duluth News Tribune as chair of the Lake Superior Zoo board, said the decision reflected confidence in both Hobbs' knowledge of the institution and his strategy going forward. "He has a deep respect for the zoo's rich history and a clear, thoughtful plan for guiding its continued growth as a regional leader in education and the protection of global wildlife," Brown said. "We are excited for this next chapter and the impact his direction will have on our community and the species we serve."

Board President James Lewis, who also praised the appointment, said Hobbs "brings a unique blend of local knowledge, community connection, and proven leadership" and noted his deep roots in Duluth, according to Fox21.

Hobbs framed his priorities around three areas: building a zoo accessible to visitors of all ages, strengthening conservation work, and expanding partnerships across Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin. "The Lake Superior Zoo is a true gem of the Northland, and I am excited to continue to work with our dedicated staff and community to take this zoo to the next level," he said. "By expanding our conservation footprint and building new bridges across the Twin Ports and beyond, we will ensure the zoo remains a vibrant, essential part of our regional identity."

A zoo news release described the institutional direction under Hobbs as aiming to "modernize the visitor experience while really focusing on its mission to protect regional and global wildlife."

The Lake Superior Zoo, located at 7210 Fremont St. in Duluth, is owned by the City of Duluth and operated under contract by the Arrowhead Zoological Society, also known as the Lake Superior Zoological Society, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) organization. The society receives an annual subsidy of about $670,000, with $510,000 of that amount appropriated by the Duluth City Council from tourism taxes. The zoo's current long-range plan spans 2022 through 2037.

Hobbs' director team includes Lizzy Larson overseeing animal management and facilities, Sarah Wilcox leading education and preschool programs, Heidi Beal handling business operations, and Samantha Halligan directing guest experience.