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Colo Society donors are, by definition, transformational donors to the Zoo, as their namesake Colo. Support from people like you is what fills the gap between our earned revenue and the costs of providing an above-average experience for our animals and humans alike. "Even though Dad is no longer able to travel and work in the same way, we know that his infectious enthusiasm has touched many hearts and will continue to be his legacy," the letter says. This fund exists to ensure the sustainable co-existence of people and animals. That number has grown to more than 3,000,000 shimmering LED lights showcased yearly. In its first year, Wildlights featured 120,000 lights. Hanna also started the annual zoo lights show Wildlights at the Zoo! in 1988.
#Columbus zoo org tv#
He would later head his own weekly TV shows - Jack Hanna's Into the Wild, Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures and Jack Hanna's Wild Countdown. McConnell and Worthington Industries transformed the gorillas’ habitat and it represented a turning point for the Zoo - the community and other zoos took notice!”Īs his reputation as an educator and animal-to-community connector grew, Hanna made his first network television appearance in 1983 on Good Morning America. “In 1979, the gracious support of John H. “In the late 70’s, this was the normal practice, but the Zoo staff knew these animals deserved much better,” the site says. According to a timeline on the Columbus Zoo website, when Hanna arrived in Central Ohio, the zoo’s lowland gorillas had never been outdoors. Hanna's family said he advocated for improving wildlife habitats and connecting the community with animals. He retired in December after serving as director emeritus for more than two decades and made regular national TV appearances throughout his career. Hanna took the role of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium director in 1978 and served for 14 years. "And yes - he still wears his khakis at home." "While Dad's health has deteriorated quickly, we can assure you that his great sense of humor continues to shine through," the letter reads. In a letter shared on social media, Hanna's family says that the 74-year-old's condition progressed faster than they’d expected over the last few months. Former CEO Thomas Stalf agreed to pay back $400,000, although Stalf’s attorney said he agreed to pay back the money so that he could move forward with his life, but alleged that his client was made a scapegoat.įormer Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna was also under fire last year after being accused of having improper ties with the big cat trade industry, allegations that were made public in a documentary titled 'The Conservation Game.Zoologist and former Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna has been diagnosed with dementia and may have Alzheimer’s, his family announced Wednesday.

The two agreed to pay back funds they misused while employed by the zoo. In January the zoo's board agreed to settlements with former Columbus Zoo CFO Greg Bell and former Director of Purchasing Tracy Murmane.

The Ohio Attorney General also launched an investigation into the zoo, as well as an outside law firm. The Columbus Zoo & Aquarium has released their season of sensory-friendly programs. The top two officials at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium resigned following a Columbus Dispatch investigation about the improper use of zoo resources. The zoo was facing multiple scandals before losing its AZA accreditation. The Columbus Zoo had held accreditation from AZA for over 40 years. The AZA cited financial mismanagement and concern for animal welfare as two major reasons for denying the zoo's accreditation. "Meeting or exceeding all accreditation standards only benefits the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium at every level and supports our commitment to fulfilling our mission to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife,” said Tom Schmid, President and CEO of the Columbus Zoo Family of Parks.Īfter losing its accreditation from AZA last year, the zoo appealed the association's decision, but that appeal was ultimately denied.

#Columbus zoo org full#
The Columbus Zoo said the accreditation comes following a four-day, on-site inspection of the zoo in March by a team of zoological professionals, a review period by the ZAA accreditation committee, and full ZAA Board of Directors approval and voting process. This comes after the zoo lost its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) last year. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Wednesday that the Zoo has earned accreditation from the Zoological Association of America (ZAA), an international association and accrediting body.
