How the Columbus Zoo is moving forward from its scandals
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Illustration: Sarah Grillo/Axios
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.
- It regained AZA accreditation in 2023.
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.