Phase I of River's Edge, featuring Asian elephants, cheetahs, dwarf mongoose, and hyenas, opened in late 1999. In 2000, Monsanto Insectarium opened with more than 100 species of invertebrates, including the Mary Ann Lee Butterfly Wing, a walk-through geodesic dome filled with butterflies and other winged creatures. McDonnell River Camp, a banquet facility, and River Camp Cafe, a new refreshment stand, and the Missouri portion of River's Edge opened in 2001. Phase III of River's Edge, featuring hippos, rhinos, warthogs, carmine bee-eaters, capybaras and giant anteaters opened in 2002. The Saint Louis Zoological Commission, the Zoo's governing body, selected Dr. Jeffrey P. Bonner as President and Chief Executive Officer of the Saint Louis Zoo, in April 2002. In this newly-created position, Bonner is now responsible for overall management of the Zoo, including research, conservation, marketing, fundraising and implementation of the strategic plan. At the same time, the Zoo's Director, Charles H. Hoessle, was named Director Emeritus. The Zoo's Assistant Director, Dr. William J. Boever, was named Director of the Zoo.
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