A one-time naval cadet who got his doctorate in zoology from the University of Hawaii is returning to Oahu to become the new director of the Hono­lulu Zoo.

Jeffrey Mahon was introduced to the media by Mayor Kirk Caldwell in a news conference Friday at the zoo.

Mahon, 52, has extensive background working at aquariums and other underwater facilities. Most recently he was with the Virginia Aquarium and Marine Science Center as its director of exhibits and animal husbandry. He is a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and holds a doctorate degree in zoology from UH.

Before his Virginia job, Mahon was a curatorial director for four facilities in Asia: Underwater World Singapore, Dolphin Lagoon in Singapore, Underwater World Pattaya in Thailand and Chengdu Haw Par Oceanarium in China. He also served as general curator and facilities manager of Underwater World Guam.

Mahon is credited with producing several popular exhibits that drew international acclaim and increased attendance.

"His real strengths are in management and putting forth exhibits," Caldwell said. "We need that here at this zoo. It’s critical that we have that."

Mahon spent time on the nuclear submarine USS Buffalo and was a commander in the Navy Reserve, from which he retired in 2008.

Despite his vast experience with underwater exhibits, Mahon said, he does not intend to bring more aquatic attractions to the zoo since the Waikiki Aquarium is across the street.

As for his own qualifications, "taking care of animals is the same whether they’re below the surface of the water or above," he said.

More interaction between visitors and the public would be among his goals, he said.

Ted Otaguro, executive director of the Hono­lulu Zoo Society, said he’d met Mahon only hours before Friday’s announcement. However, he said he is getting "a good vibe" from the new director.

"He seems like a real down-to-earth guy," Ota­guro said.

Mahon was chosen from a field of 40 applicants, Caldwell said. He replaces Manuel Mol­li­nedo, who resigned in February for personal reasons.

City Enterprise Services Director Gerald Saito said the applicant committee’s top priority was "looking for someone that had experience in program administration … someone who had a combination of business acumen as well as some experience dealing with the health and well-being of animals."

Mollinedo, who spent only a little more than two years at the post, was praised for leading the effort to get the zoo off of what essentially was probation status and reaccredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

The zoo has about 80 employees.