March 29, 20214 yr Top Columbus Zoo officials resign following Dispatch investigation The top two executives of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium have resigned after an investigation by The Dispatch into their personal use of zoo assets. Tom Stalf, who has led the zoo as CEO since 2013, and Greg Bell, chief financial officer, both stepped down, according to an internal email sent to zoo staff Monday from the zoo's board of directors chairman Keith Shumate. Their resignations follow a Dispatch report earlier this month on their personal use of zoo resources and a subsequent independent investigation ordered by the zoo board. Stalf, 52, and Bell, 61, allowed relatives to live in houses owned or controlled by the zoo, and sought zoo tickets for their family members to attend various entertainment events, a Dispatch investigation found. The zoo is a taxpayer-supported nonprofit organization. ( . . . ) Former Zoo Executive Director and Director Emeritus Jerry Borin agreed to come out of retirement to serve as the zoo's interim executive director. The board will begin a national search for a new CEO immediately, according to Shumate's email and the zoo's statement. MORE: https://www.thisweeknews.com/story/news/local/2021/03/29/columbus-zoo-ceo-tom-stalf-cfo-greg-bell-resign-after-dispatch-report/7040329002/
June 14, 20214 yr Columbus Zoo and Aquarium officially begins search for new leader after resignations: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/06/10/columbus-zoo-begins-search-ex-ceo-tom-stalf-replacement/7628511002/
July 8, 20213 yr https://www.columbusnavigator.com/elephant-sea-lion-babies-columbus-zoo/ On June 16 and June 18, an Asian elephant calf and a California sea lion pup were born at the Columbus Zoo. The birth of the Asian elephant was particularly notable because the mother was pregnant for 22 months(!) and required close monitoring by the Zoo’s animal care team.
October 6, 20213 yr Columbus Zoo names Texas State Aquarium leader Tom Schmid new CEO The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium’s board has named Tom Schmid, the longtime leader of the Texas State Aquarium, as its next president and CEO. Schmid, 58, has been the president CEO of the aquarium in Corpus Christi, Texas for more than two decades. The selection of Schmid as the zoo’s next leader follows a national search and comes more than six months after the top two zoo executives resigned amid investigations into their behavior after a Dispatch report revealed their personal use of zoo assets. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/10/05/columbus-zoo-and-aquarium-choosing-new-director-tom-schmid/5996197001/
October 6, 20213 yr C'mon Man(!) Columbus Zoo loses accreditation after leadership issues, animal programs concerns The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has lost its accreditation with its industry's top accrediting body amid concerns surrounding its animal programs department and inappropriate businesses practices by the zoo's former leaders. The zoo plans to appeal the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' decision, it announced Wednesday morning. The AZA is the top accrediting body for zoos in aquariums in the United States and a dozen other countries. Their accreditation process helps ensure AZA facilities are meeting industry standards that emphasize animal welfare and care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. Accredited organizations must go through the accreditation process every five years. Former president and CEO Tom Stalf and former chief financial officer Greg Bell resigned in March after an investigation by The Dispatch detailed their personal use of zoo resources. Forensic audits initiated by the zoo's board have since revealed improper spending and questionable business practices by the former top two executives resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in zoo losses. Investigations and reviews by the Ohio Attorney General and Ohio Auditor of State are pending. The AZA has also voiced concerns about the zoo's acquisition of ambassador animals in the its animal programs department. The recent documentary "The Conservation Game" raised questions about the way celebrity conservationists, including longtime Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna, acquire exotic animals. The zoo has since cut ties with animal vendors who do not meet certain standards of animal care. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/10/06/columbus-zoo-loses-accreditation-plans-appeal-after-leadership-issues/6017990001/
December 14, 20213 yr On 10/6/2021 at 10:18 AM, Columbo said: C'mon Man(!) Columbus Zoo loses accreditation after leadership issues, animal programs concerns The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has lost its accreditation with its industry's top accrediting body amid concerns surrounding its animal programs department and inappropriate businesses practices by the zoo's former leaders. The zoo plans to appeal the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' decision, it announced Wednesday morning. The AZA is the top accrediting body for zoos in aquariums in the United States and a dozen other countries. Their accreditation process helps ensure AZA facilities are meeting industry standards that emphasize animal welfare and care, veterinary programs, conservation, education and safety. Accredited organizations must go through the accreditation process every five years. Former president and CEO Tom Stalf and former chief financial officer Greg Bell resigned in March after an investigation by The Dispatch detailed their personal use of zoo resources. Forensic audits initiated by the zoo's board have since revealed improper spending and questionable business practices by the former top two executives resulting in hundreds of thousands of dollars in zoo losses. Investigations and reviews by the Ohio Attorney General and Ohio Auditor of State are pending. The AZA has also voiced concerns about the zoo's acquisition of ambassador animals in the its animal programs department. The recent documentary "The Conservation Game" raised questions about the way celebrity conservationists, including longtime Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna, acquire exotic animals. The zoo has since cut ties with animal vendors who do not meet certain standards of animal care. MORE: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/10/06/columbus-zoo-loses-accreditation-plans-appeal-after-leadership-issues/6017990001/ https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2021/12/13/columbus-zoo-loses-its-accreditation.html https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/12/13/columbus-zoos-loss-accreditation-stands-after-appeal-aza/6497018001/ The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced Monday that it has lost its appeal to keep its accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. This means the zoo will lack third-party accreditation for at least all of next year. It will reapply in next fall at the earliest and have a hearing in 2023. While the zoo's reputation may have taken a hit, it hasn't been curbing attendance. But experts have said the loss of accreditation could have an impact on the zoo's ability to fundraise.
December 16, 20213 yr Q&A with Tom Schmid: New Columbus Zoo CEO expects, welcomes scrutiny after difficult year: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2021/12/16/q-a-tom-schmid-new-columbus-zoo-ceo-expects-welcomes-scrutiny/6484687001/
December 28, 20213 yr There's been so much negative news surrounding the zoo that it's easy to forget the good works the zoo does. Here is a rundown of some recent animal births at the zoo facilities: https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/good-news/2020/08/25/endangered-masai-giraffe-calf-born-at-wilds/42330629/ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/2021/09/23/endangered-masai-giraffe-born-wilds/5801708001/ https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/columns/2020/09/03/itrsquos-girl-another-endangered-giraffe-born-at-columbus-zoo/113654974/ https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/nature-wildlife/2020/12/22/columbus-zoo-welcomes-2020-third-masai-giraffe-calf/4013081001/ https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/nature-wildlife/2020/11/25/orphaned-manatee-calf-squirrel-bonds-stubby-columbus-zoo/6286065002/ https://www.dispatch.com/story/lifestyle/nature-wildlife/2020/12/23/a-wonderful-gift-wilds-welcomes-2-white-rhino-calves-month/4031359001/ https://www.dispatch.com/videos/news/2021/03/02/columbus-zoos-asian-elephant-pregnant-take-look-ultrasound/6891599002/ https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus-zoo/its-a-girl-rhino-calf-born-at-columbus-zoo/
December 28, 20213 yr And lots of holiday lights too: https://www.reddit.com/r/Columbus/comments/rp06s5/visit_zoo_lights_at_the_columbus_zoo/
January 13, 20223 yr https://www.dispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/01/07/columbus-zoo-and-aquarium-loses-therapy-dog-coby/9130244002/ The zoo is mourning the loss of one of its animals. But the unusual thing is that it is not one of their wild exotic animals, but a common Labrador retriever dog named Cody. Cody was used by the zoo as a canine companion for its many cheetahs. Combining dogs with cheetahs is a common practice now, but Columbus was one of the first zoos to employee it. Cheetahs often are more timid and reclusive than larger wild cats, and appear to thrive when paired with compatible canines. In Cody's eight years with the zoo, he helped raise 19 cheetahs and was also a go-to canine companion for animals who had undergone surgery.
February 28, 20232 yr Some parts of Columbus Zoo are looking at $50M in enhancements and redevelopment “The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is spending more than $50 million to expand and enhance the park throughout the next year, including a transformation of the zoo’s oldest region. The zoo is investing $32.5 million to redevelop the North America region, including new habitats for gray wolves, bald eagles, black bears, North American river otters and Canada lynxes. Groundbreaking is scheduled for this fall. Nearly $4 million is dedicated to an expansion of the zoo’s bonobo indoor and winter habitat, with construction projected to begin this spring. The zoo is also investing $8 million on animal well-being and habitat improvements, facility upgrades, new technology and enhanced security. The zoo noted in Tuesday’s announcement construction is continuing on the $7 million RV campground at The Wilds.” https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus-zoo/columbus-zoo-to-spend-50-million-on-enhancements-and-redevelopment?utm_source=wcmh_app&utm_medium=social&utm_content=share-link
March 3, 20232 yr Columbus Zoo plans $50 million investment in upgrades The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is dedicating $50 million to capital improvements. The improvements have been in the plans for awhile — since 2015, Tom Schmid, Columbus Zoo president and CEO, said. They include a significant redesign of animal habitats, with a focus on indoor habitats for winter or inclement weather. "It will be more naturalistic without as many barriers," Schmid said. "We're going to have better indoor facilities for animals." The North American region — home to the Mexican wolf, bald eagle, black bear, North American river otter and trumpeter swan — will receive a $32.5 million renovation, including those new habitats. Construction will begin this fall. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/03/03/columbus-zoo-improvements-animals-capital-spending.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 27, 20232 yr Columbus Zoo and Aquarium regains accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has regained its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a distinction it lost in late 2021 following a financial scandal involving former leaders and reported issues with its history of animal transfers for entertainment purposes. The zoo did later secure accreditation from the Zoological Association of America, but the goal was always to once again land recognition from the AZA. That organization represents more than 235 facilities in the United States and overseas, according to its website. Tom Schmid, the zoo's CEO, said an AZA accreditation represents a stamp of approval for the zoo's recent work to improve its operations. “We welcome the rigor of all accreditation inspections and continue to identify new opportunities to benchmark our programming. Our objective is always to exceed standards, and to demonstrate our commitment to animal wellbeing, education, wildlife conservation, our staff, and our guests,” Shmid said in a statement. More below: https://www.bizjournals.com/columbus/news/2023/03/27/columbus-zoo-regains-accreditation.html "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 27, 20232 yr 33 minutes ago, ColDayMan said: Columbus Zoo and Aquarium regains accreditation from Association of Zoos and Aquariums The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has regained its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a distinction it lost in late 2021 following a financial scandal involving former leaders and reported issues with its history of animal transfers for entertainment purposes. Among other things, for those of us who are members of the Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati, or Toledo Zoos, or other Ohio zoos that are also members of the AZA, the AZA reciprocal admissions program should have Columbus on the list again (the 50%-off list, IIRC) without special bilateral dispensations (Akron did have such an independent dispensation during Columbus' suspension, but it's much better not to need that anymore).
March 28, 20232 yr How DARE you not mention Dayton's Discovery Zoo (another AZA member)!!! The greatest of all! "You don't just walk into a bar and mix it up by calling a girl fat" - buildingcincinnati speaking about new forumers
March 28, 20232 yr 2 hours ago, ColDayMan said: How DARE you not mention Dayton's Discovery Zoo (another AZA member)!!! The greatest of all! And steal your thunder? I wouldn't dream of it. 😇
March 28, 20232 yr 14 hours ago, ColDayMan said: How DARE you not mention Dayton's Discovery Zoo (another AZA member)!!! The greatest of all! I have pictures like that of Ardyn but they seem to involve snakes or elephant poop. (My sister in law used to work at Cleveland Zoo with the pachyderms. )
April 5Apr 5 Columbus Zoo expands Zoombezi Bay with record-breaking attraction "The Columbus Zoo is building a record-breaking new attraction at Zoombezi Bay called Conservation Tower, and it’s unlike anything the world has seen before. Guests will soon be able to enjoy three new water slides: “Captina Falls”, “The Hive”, and “Mussel Mayhem.” Mussel Mayhem is the first of its kind in the Midwest, while the other two are the first of their kind in the world. Sabo said the construction of “Conservation Tower” and Coral Kitchen, Zoombezi Bay’s newest dining destination, is an over $10 million project. That makes it the largest capital investment ever made in the park. The Columbus Zoo has not yet set an opening date for Conservation Tower, but it’s aiming for early summer. In the meantime, Coral Kitchen is expected to open at the beginning of June." https://www.nbc4i.com/news/local-news/columbus-zoo/columbus-zoo-expands-zoombezi-bay-with-record-breaking-attraction/ More details about the new attractions found here: https://www.columbuszoo.org/news/zoombezi-bay-announces-worlds-first-conservation-tower-water-park-attraction
April 7Apr 7 More on that^ “World-First” Slides Under Construction at Zoombezi Bay "Zoombezi Bay waterpark, located next to the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, is building a ground-breaking new waterslide complex. Conservation Tower will hold three new waterslides by ProSlide Technology. Development of the slide complex began in late 2023, took around 18 months, and was announced during the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions (IAAPA) Expo in November 2024." ______ Celebrating the Zoo’s pollinator conservation efforts, The Hive is the first slide of its kind in the world where riders in a two-person tube soar through two massive beehive-shaped helixes. ______ Captina Falls is a dual slide where riders race head-first on individual mats through high-speed turns and rally points. It’s the only RallyRACER with FlyingSAUCER turns in the world. The name comes from Captina Creek in eastern Ohio where Ohio’s endangered hellbender salamanders have been released. ______ A first-in-the-Midwest experience, Mussel Mayhem features two halfpipe cutbacks and two funnel elements, highlighting the importance of freshwater mussels in Ohio’s rivers. It also uses two-person rafts where riders face each other. https://www.coaster101.com/2025/04/05/world-firsts-at-zoombezi-bay/
April 7Apr 7 When did the big waterslide get removed? It's been quite a while since I have been there. Edited April 7Apr 7 by GCrites
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