It was founded in 1927 with a small menagerie of donated animals. “We know we will get through this, and, thanks in large part to all of you, we will be stronger than ever,” the statement read. Originally the zoo was housed at Franklin Park. In a statement posted to the Columbus Zoo’s social media page Friday, zoo officials thanked patron for their support, saying they “look forward to brighter days ahead.” COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has lost its most important accreditation, a major blow to an institution once widely admired in its industry and by the. The poor decisions of a handful of people should not negate the good work this team does and how much staff members contribute to the AZA through committee work and leadership roles,” Jerry Borin, interim CEO and president of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, said in a release.Ĭolumbus Zoo officials told WBNS the loss of accreditation will not affect daily operation, however the decision will restrict zoo staff from continuing certain roles and the zoo from participating in some breeding programs. A former chief executive officer has agreed to repay hundreds of thousands of dollars to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium after audits. “At the time of the AZA inspection by the visiting committee in July, we believe the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium met the AZA standards required for accreditation. Ex-Columbus Zoo CEO to repay 400,000 audit said he owed. In response to the loss of accreditation, the zoo said it plans to file a formal appeal, which must be filed by Oct.  In July, the zoo cut ties with certain animal organizations that were mentioned in the film. The “Conservation Game” claims Hanna and the zoo had ties to the big cat trade across the country. One of the largest and most popular zoos in the U.S., Ohios renowned Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and its conservation park The Wilds, houses more than 10,000. An investigation by the State of Ohio remains underway.Īccording to WBNS, in addition to the scandal, a recent documentary makes allegations against the zoo’s former longtime director, Jack Hanna. The two also got their families tickets for entertainment events.īoth resigned from their positions in March.īetween the four officials, an internal investigation found the zoo lost more than $630,000, the station reported.  The announcement comes four months after four former zoo officials misused resources, including former president and CEO Tom Stalf and CFO Greg Bell, letting family members live in houses controlled by the zoo, our news partners at WBNS-TV in Columbus report. > ’The Ohio River is now a huge, unmarked grave ’ Where the search stands for 2 area boys More substantial and concerning is a long record of intentional and repeated animal transfers with non-AZA members intended to supply baby animals – mainly big cats – for entertainment purposes,” Dan Ashe, President and CEO of the AZA said in a statement Wednesday.  “Issues of financial mismanagement have been reviewed by an independent forensic analysis and reported on in the media.

You worry me nathaniel rateliff