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Line 7: − {{Infobox person+ − | name=Robert Leslie “Les” Whitt<br>+ − (American zookeeper and musician) − | birth_date=August 22, 1951 − | birth_place=Natchez, Adams County<br>[[Mississippi]], [[United States|USA]]<br> − Resident of [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]], [[Louisiana]] − | death_date=August 21, 20008 − | death_place=Ochsner Foundation Hospital ([[New Orleans]]) − + Line 23:
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Line 60: − |spouse=Lee Ann Hollingsworth Whitt<br> − '''Children''':<br> − Sarah W. Salley<br> − Hanna Lee Whitt<br> − '''Parents''':<br> − Mr. and Mrs. John V. Whitt, Sr.<br> − '''Notes''':<br> − *(1) Whitt was the director of [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]] Zoological Park from 1974 until his death in 2008, during which time the zoo grew exponentially.<br> − * Whitt’s work as a zookeeper was praised by the nationally-known [[zoologist]] and conservationist Jack Hanna<br> − * Whitt was also a [[musician]] who played the organ with B. B. King, the [[African-American]] blues guitarist and [[singer]].<br> − * In 1994, Whitt underwent a [[heart transplant]] at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in [[New Orleans]], where he died fourteen years later of renewed heart problems. − }} − − '''Robert Leslie Whitt''', known as '''Les Whitt''' (August 22, 1951 – August 16, 2008), was the award-winning director of Alexandria Zoological Park in [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]], having served from 1974 until his death from [[heart]] complications only six days prior to what would have been his 57th birthday. Whitt was also a [[musician]] who mastered a Hammond B-3 and played with B. B. King and B. B. Major, whom he had accompanied at the [[New Orleans]] Jazz & Heritage Festival.<ref name=obit>Robert Leslie "Les" Whitt [[obituary]], ''[[The Town Talk (Alexandria)|Alexandria Daily Town Talk]]'', August 19, 2008:http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080819/OBITUARIES/80818026/1023</ref> − − ==Background== − Whitt was born to the late Mr. and Mrs. James V. Whitt, Sr., in Natchez, [[Mississippi]]. In 1994, he received a heart transplant at Ochsner Foundation Hospital founded in New Orleans by the [[physician]] [[Alton Oschner]]. His donor was Lane Bourgeois of Prairieville] in Ascension Parish. Whitt was an advocate of organ donation and frequently spoke on behalf of the Louisiana Organ Procurement Agency.<ref name=obit/> − − Whitt was appointed zookeeper by [[Malcolm Hébert]], Alexandria's last elected streets and parks commissioner prior to the establishment in 1977 of the mayor-council government, in which Hebert initially served as the director of public works under [[Mayor]] Carroll Edwin Lanier (1926-2012). The zoo is located adjacent to Bringhurst Park off Masonic Drive and near the Alexandria Mall. It grew exponentially after Whitt's appointment as director and became a large facility for a medium-sized city. In 1993, Whitt received the prestigious Dunbar Award from the Louisiana Civil Service, named in honor of Charles Edward Dunbar, Jr. (1888-1959)<ref name=obit/> − − At the age of sixteen, Whitt joined the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Over the years, he served the organization in various capacities, such as that as the leader of the accreditation team. He was recognized for his innovative zoo exhibits and designs. He represented the Alexandria zoo in worldwide conservation efforts to preserve endangered species. David Lind, past president of the civic group Friends of the Alexandria Zoo, said that Whitt was more than a zookeeper: "He really was the [[Polymath|Renaissance man]]." He was a [[mentor]] to young zoo professionals, teen volunteers, the [[Boy Scouts]], and other musicians.<ref name=adtt>"Alexandria Zoo Director Les Whitt dies," ''Alexandria Town Talk'', August 17, 2008, p. 1: http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080817/NEWS01/808170301&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL"</ref> − − ==Career== − − Jack Bushnell Hanna, a world-renowned animal expert, often lauded Whitt and the Alexandria zoo over national [[television]]. Hanna recalled Whitt as humble and willing to offer his advice where he could help. Hanna recalled having been employed at a small zoo in central [[Florida]] when he needed advice on how to treat a sick animal. When Whitt learned of Hanna's problem, he brought down a team to treat the animal. Hanna told ''The Alexandria Daily Town Talk'' that "If all the people who ran zoos in this country were Leslies, we'd have no problems in any of our zoos."<ref name=adtt/> − − Hanna said that Whitt could have accepted employment at larger, more prestigious zoos than Alexandria Zoological Park: "He could have run any zoo in the country ... but he loved that town. He loved the people there.. . . . People like that just don't exist any more. You don't replace a Leslie Whitt."<ref name=adtt/> − − Former Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, who was four years old when Whitt accepted the zookeeper's position, issued a statement of condolences for those mourning the "loss of a true son of Alexandria. Les was given a second chance at life heart transplant, an opportunity he made the most of, crafting a sustainable legacy that will live as long as Alexandria does.”<ref name=adtt/> − − Whitt died at Oschner's. Hundreds attended his funeral service held on August 20, 2008, at the Alexandria Riverfront Center. News of his death was carried in [[newspaper]]s and on [[television]] stations not only throughout Louisiana but in other states.<ref>"Alexandria Zoo director Les Whitt dies, age 56," ''Fort Mill (South Carolina) Times,'' August 20, 2008: http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/262466.html</ref> Burial followed at Greenlawn Cemetery in Natchez. Survivors included his wife of thirty-four years, the former Lee Ann Hollingsworth (born December 27, 1952), then the educational curator of the zoo who is originally from Meadville in Franklin County in southwestern Mississippi; two daughters, Sarah Mathews (born 1978) and Hanna Lee Whitt (born 1979), all of Alexandria, and two brothers, James M. Whitt of Natchez and John V. Whitt, Jr., of Dauphin Island, [[Alabama]].<ref name=obit/> − − Mark Rose, a former Alexandria public works director who serves as vice president of design at [[Busch Gardens]] in [[Tampa]], eulogized Whitt at the funeral. Rose said that Whitt as a very young man had the goal of transforming the Alexandria zoo into a top-notch facility. "He decided that he would devote his life to Alexandria and that zoo and turn it around and make it something special – and he did," Rose recalled.<ref>"Les Whitt eulogized — 'Alexandria lost its heart'", ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk'', August 20, 2008, p. 1: http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/NEWS01/80820019/-1/NEWS17</ref> − − In 2009, after an interim period, Mrs. Whitt succeeded her husband as the zoo director. − − In 2013, the Friends of the Alexandria Zoo unveiled a life-size $50,000 bronze statue of Whitt, which was created without charge by Bill Williamson of [[Tyler, Texas|Tyler]], [[Texas]], based on photographs of Whitt with a white tiger, which was on loan to the zoo in 1994.<ref>Leigh Guidry, "Alexandria Zoo honors Whitt with statue," ''Alexandria Town Talk,'' May 19, 2013, pp. 1, 4A.</ref> − − ==References== − {{reflist}} − − {{DEFAULTSORT:Whitt, Les}} − [[Category:Louisiana People]] − [[Category:Mississippi]] − [[Category:Zoologists]] − [[Category:Musicians]]
no edit summary
| death_date=August 21, 20008
| death_date=August 21, 20008
| death_place=Ochsner Foundation Hospital<br> ([[New Orleans]])<br>
| death_place=Ochsner Foundation Hospital<br> ([[New Orleans]])<br>
'''Resting place''':<br>
Greenlawn Cemetery in Natchez, Mississippi
|spouse=Lee Ann Hollingsworth Whitt<br>
|spouse=Lee Ann Hollingsworth Whitt<br>
'''Children''':<br>
'''Children''':<br>
Sarah W. Salley<br>
Sarah W. Mathews Salley<br>
Hanna Lee Whitt<br>
Hanna Lee Whitt<br>
'''Parents''':<br>
'''Parents''':<br>
'''Notes''':<br>
'''Notes''':<br>
* Whitt was the director of [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]] Zoological Park from 1974 until his death in 2008, during which time the zoo grew exponentially.<br>
*(1) Whitt was the director of [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]] Zoological Park from 1974 until his death in 2008, during which time the zoo grew exponentially.<br>
* Whitt’s work as a zookeeper was praised by the nationally-known zoologist and conservationist Jack Hanna<br>
* Whitt’s work as a zookeeper was praised by the nationally-known [[zoologist]] and conservationist Jack Hanna<br>
* Whitt was also a [[musician]] who played the organ with B. B. King, the [[African-American]] blues guitarist and [[singer]].<br>
* Whitt was also a [[musician]] who played the organ with B. B. King, the [[African-American]] blues guitarist and [[singer]].<br>
* In 1994, Whitt underwent a [[heart]] transplant at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in [[New Orleans]], where he died fourteen years later of renewed heart problems.
* In 1994, Whitt underwent a [[heart]] transplant at Ochsner Foundation Hospital in [[New Orleans]], where he died fourteen years later of renewed heart problems.}}
}}
'''Robert Leslie Whitt''', known as '''Les Whitt''' (August 22, 1951 – August 16, 2008), was the award-winning director of Alexandria Zoological Park in [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]], having served from 1974 until his death from [[heart]] complications only six days prior to what would have been his 57th birthday. Whitt was also a [[musician]] who mastered a Hammond B-3 and played with B. B. King and B. B. Major, whom he had accompanied at the [[New Orleans]] Jazz & Heritage Festival.<ref name=obit>Robert Leslie "Les" Whitt [[obituary]], ''[[The Town Talk (Alexandria)|Alexandria Daily Town Talk]]'', August 19, 2008:http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080819/OBITUARIES/80818026/1023</ref>
'''Robert Leslie Whitt''', known as '''Les Whitt''' (August 22, 1951 – August 16, 2008), was the award-winning director of Alexandria Zoological Park in [[Alexandria, Louisiana|Alexandria]], having served from 1974 until his death from [[heart]] complications only six days prior to what would have been his 57th birthday. Whitt was also a [[musician]] who mastered a Hammond B-3 and played with B. B. King and B. B. Major, whom he had accompanied at the [[New Orleans]] Jazz & Heritage Festival.<ref name=obit>Robert Leslie "Les" Whitt [[obituary]], ''The Alexandria Town Talk,'' August 19, 2008:http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080819/OBITUARIES/80818026/1023</ref>
==Background==
==Background==
Former Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, who was four years old when Whitt accepted the zookeeper's position, issued a statement of condolences for those mourning the "loss of a true son of Alexandria. Les was given a second chance at life heart transplant, an opportunity he made the most of, crafting a sustainable legacy that will live as long as Alexandria does.”<ref name=adtt/>
Former Alexandria Mayor Jacques Roy, who was four years old when Whitt accepted the zookeeper's position, issued a statement of condolences for those mourning the "loss of a true son of Alexandria. Les was given a second chance at life heart transplant, an opportunity he made the most of, crafting a sustainable legacy that will live as long as Alexandria does.”<ref name=adtt/>
==Death and legacy==
Whitt died at Oschner's. Hundreds attended his funeral service held on August 20, 2008, at the Alexandria Riverfront Center. News of his death was carried in [[newspaper]]s and on [[television]] stations not only throughout Louisiana but in other states.<ref>"Alexandria Zoo director Les Whitt dies, age 56," ''Fort Mill (South Carolina) Times,'' August 20, 2008: http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/262466.html</ref> Burial followed at Greenlawn Cemetery in Natchez. Survivors included his wife of thirty-four years, the former Lee Ann Hollingsworth (born December 27, 1952), then the educational curator of the zoo who is originally from Meadville in Franklin County in southwestern Mississippi; two daughters, Sarah Mathews (born 1978) and Hanna Lee Whitt (born 1979), all of Alexandria, and two brothers, James M. Whitt of Natchez and John V. Whitt, Jr., of Dauphin Island, [[Alabama]].<ref name=obit/>
Whitt died at Oschner's. Hundreds attended his funeral service held on August 20, 2008, at the Alexandria Riverfront Center. News of his death was carried in [[newspaper]]s and on [[television]] stations not only throughout Louisiana but in other states.<ref>"Alexandria Zoo director Les Whitt dies, age 56," ''Fort Mill (South Carolina) Times,'' August 20, 2008: http://www.fortmilltimes.com/124/story/262466.html</ref> Burial followed at Greenlawn Cemetery in Natchez. Survivors included his wife of thirty-four years, the former Lee Ann Hollingsworth (born December 27, 1952), then the educational curator of the zoo who is originally from Meadville in Franklin County in southwestern Mississippi; two daughters, Sarah Mathews (born 1978) and Hanna Lee Whitt (born 1979), all of Alexandria, and two brothers, James M. Whitt of Natchez and John V. Whitt, Jr., of Dauphin Island, [[Alabama]].<ref name=obit/>
Mark Rose, a former Alexandria public works director who serves as vice president of design at [[Busch Gardens]] in [[Tampa]], eulogized Whitt at the funeral. Rose said that Whitt as a very young man had the goal of transforming the Alexandria zoo into a top-notch facility. "He decided that he would devote his life to Alexandria and that zoo and turn it around and make it something special – and he did," Rose recalled.<ref>"Les Whitt eulogized — 'Alexandria lost its heart'", ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk'', August 20, 2008, p. 1: http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/NEWS01/80820019/-1/NEWS17</ref>
Mark Rose, a former Alexandria public works director who serves as vice president of design at Busch Gardens in [[Tampa]], [[Florida]], eulogized Whitt at the funeral. Rose said that Whitt as a very young man had the goal of transforming the Alexandria zoo into a top-notch facility. "He decided that he would devote his life to Alexandria and that zoo and turn it around and make it something special – and he did," Rose recalled.<ref>"Les Whitt eulogized — 'Alexandria lost its heart'", ''Alexandria Daily Town Talk'', August 20, 2008, p. 1: http://www.thetowntalk.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/NEWS01/80820019/-1/NEWS17</ref>
In 2009, after an interim period, Mrs. Whitt succeeded her husband as the zoo director.
In 2009, after an interim period, Mrs. Whitt succeeded her husband as the zoo director.