Remembering Muriel Horacek: Long-Time L.A. Zoo Docent & Friend
It is with profound sadness, yet immense gratitude for a life beautifully lived, that the Los Angeles Zoo family announces the passing of beloved Docent Emeritus Muriel Horacek. Having celebrated her remarkable 100th birthday in March 2025, Muriel was an extraordinary force of nature who dedicated herself to the Zoo and its visitors since 2010. Muriel retired from being a docent earlier this year, shortly after turning 101 years old.
A Lifelong Love of Wildlife
Muriel’s passion for the natural world was a constant thread throughout her vibrant life. Born Muriel Kathryn Hermann in Hempstead, New York, on March 25, 1925, she demonstrated an early love for animals. As a young girl, she even befriended a neighborhood squirrel that would follow her along the telephone lines during her daily walks to school.
After graduating from Syracuse University in just three years, Muriel eventually embarked on a life of global travel. Alongside her husband of 39 years, Fred Horacek, she raised five children while living in diverse locations, including Aruba, Peru, Libya, New York, and Brussels.
Following her husband’s passing, Muriel channeled her energy into global Earthwatch expeditions. She traveled the world to assist wildlife researchers, working hands-on with sea turtles, porpoises, pandas, cheetahs, jaguars, and echidnas.
The Echidna’s Greatest Champion
When international travel became too physically demanding, Muriel moved to the MonteCedro senior residence and brought the globe to her doorstep as a docent at the L.A. Zoo. Stationed primarily at the Animals of Australia habitat, she became famously known for promoting the echidna as the world’s most interesting animal. Her specialized passion for these unique creatures even earned her a dedicated feature in The Wall Street Journal.
During her 16 years as a docent, Muriel went above and beyond to connect people with nature. She joyfully engaged with Zoo guests about the animals in English, French, and Spanish. She kept a meticulous, running list of the home countries of the guests she met, ultimately interacting with visitors from over 100 nations. Her remarkable service was widely recognized: she received a Certificate of Commendation from the City of Los Angeles, was honored in person by L.A. City Councilmember Paul Krekorian, and was featured on ABC TV News as well as Bill Bradley’s American Voices.
A Legacy of Creating Connections to Nature
Muriel perfectly embodied the L.A. Zoo’s mission of Creating Connections to Nature. In one of her final updates to Zoo leadership, she expressed her gratitude for being able to volunteer five days a week through the summer, noting the profound joy she felt when departing visitors told her, “I really learned something today”.
She is survived by four children, eight grandchildren, and ten great-grandchildren, all of whom hold her close in their hearts.
The Los Angeles Zoo will deeply miss the one-of-a-kind Muriel Horacek. We are incredibly lucky to have had such a special person volunteer her time, passion, and boundless dedication to the Zoo.