Jeffrey Wilkinson has resigned from his position as director of the Honolulu Zoo for personal reasons, according to a Monday press release from Mayor Kirk Caldwell’s office.

Jeffrey Wilkinson

Wilkinson is the fourth zoo director to resign in the last five years.

“I’ve made the difficult decision to resign my position at the zoo and move back to California to care for my parents,” Wilkinson said in a Sunday email sent to zoo staff. “I am so proud to have been part of this team.  During my short time here, I hope we’ve planted some seeds that will take root and one day bring more resources to the zoo.”

The zoo’s assistant director, Baird Fleming, will step in as acting director.