A longtime former head of the Buffalo Zoo has died. Minot Ortolani began a 16 year term as head of the Zoo in 1980. He was a Naval reservist following several years of active duty in the Navy. In civilian life, he was a banker, and a community activist who led a Chamber of Commerce committee to beautify Buffalo streets in the 1970s. During his tenure at the Zoo, he oversaw more than ten million dollars in improvements, including construction of outdoor lion and tiger exhibits and a lowland gorilla exhibit. Ortolani died Friday (October 26) in his Williamsville home at the age of 83. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday.
