The last few years have been marked by controversy for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, but new leadership says it is taking steps to rebuild public trust.
Why it matters: The zoo, which is partly funded by a Franklin County tax levy, has been rocked by a fiscal and zoological scandal.
- The levy expires at the end of next year, and the zoo's efforts to move forward will likely be front-and-center amid a renewal campaign.
Catch up quick: After Jack Hanna became its director in 1978, the zoo grew considerably in size, quality and reputation as his frequent TV appearances put it on the map .
- That changed in 2021, after a Dispatch investigation revealed officials made personal use of zoo properties and funds.
- Four of them, including president and CEO Tom Stalf, were eventually indicted in the theft of nearly $2.3 million from the zoo over a decade.
- All have pleaded guilty and the first will be sentenced next week. None are still employed with the zoo.
Also in 2021, " The Conservation Game " documentary featured Hanna's involvement with unaccredited breeders in the exotic big cat trade.
- The zoo lost its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) later that year as a result.
State of play: Tom Schmid became the new president and CEO in late 2021. Since then, the zoo has "taken decisive action to strengthen our financial policies and rebuild public trust," per a statement provided to Axios.
Zoom in: Changes included reducing the board of directors' size for stronger oversight and severing ties with animal vendors called into question in the documentary.
- The zoo also instituted over 30 new policies, including one on purchasing, and hired a new firm to conduct its annual audits.
- Gone are " barter accounts " that former officials used to trade zoo tickets and zoo passes for tickets to sports, musicals and concerts.
What's next: The zoo's 10-year levy, which funds about 20% of its budget, will expire at the end of 2025.
- Officials have not yet announced plans for putting a renewal or replacement levy before voters next year.
Go deeper: A timeline of when former zoo officials will be sentenced .
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