San Joaquin County’s Micke Grove Zoo has announced that Kyle Hetzel has joined the staff as its new Zoo and Interpretive Services Manager.

Hetzel most recently served as Supervising Lead Keeper for the Children’s Zoo at Oakland Zoo, a role he held for three years. Before that, he was Assistant Curator of the Children’s Zoo at the San Francisco Zoo. His experience in hands-on animal care and leadership in family-focused zoo environments positions him well to guide Micke Grove forward.

Hetzel said he is looking forward to working alongside staff and volunteers to strengthen animal care, conservation and educational programming while supporting the zoo’s long-term accreditation goals.

The zoo is open Wednesday through Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with the last admission at 4 p.m.

Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 3–13 and free for children ages 2 and under.

The zoo is at 11793 Micke Grove Road in Lodi and originally opened in 1957. It is located within Micke Grove Regional Park, which also includes a Japanese Garden, the San Joaquin County Hisotircal Society and Museum, picnic area, playground and more.

In other activities at county parks, officials are preparing for a morning of fishing and fun at the annual Trout Bout on Saturday, Nov. 21, at Shumway Oak Grove Regional Park at 4520 W. Eight Mile Road, Stockton.

Hosted in partnership with San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation, Delta Fly Fishers and the Stockton Fire Department, this annual event celebrates the start of trout season with 2,500 pounds of rainbow trout stocked for anglers to enjoy.

Park gates will open for the Trout Bout at 6:15 a.m., with the final weigh-in at 12:30 p.m.

Children ages 15 and under fish free. Anglers ages 16 and older pay a $5 fishing fee and must have a valid California fishing license. Parking is $6. All fees are cash only.