Stephen Walker will become the director of the Honolulu Zoo early next month, Mayor Mufi Hannemann said today in a news release.

Walker is currently the director of the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. He will succeed Ken Redman, who retired as Honolulu Zoo director earlier this year.

"We had 30 applicants for the Honolulu Zoo director position, and that was very encouraging," said Director of Department of Services Sidney Quintal. "Steve Walker stood out in the areas of knowledge, experience and most of all, the ability to manage. In short, he is well-qualified to take over the day-to-day operations of the Honolulu Zoo and help us move ahead with our mission and vision."

Walker is expected in Honolulu the first week in January.