Tom Schmid, the new president and chief executive officer of the zoo, said Monday's decision was disappointing but the zoo was "moving forward." The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was once widely respected in the industry and by the public and was linked with Jack Hanna, a former director of the zoo and a celebrity, according to Hanna's website. The accreditation denial in October from the association, which is considered the nation's top zoo-accrediting body, was a blow to the county's second-largest zoo. However, with the loss of its species survival and breeding programs, the zoo said it "will impact species conservation programs." The Ohio attorney general's office is also in the midst of a review of the zoo.Įarlier, zoo officials said the ruling would not impact the operation of the zoo nor the experience of visitors. The accrediting group said it has concerns about the zoo's animal programs department and the unethical business practices of its former management. Therefore, the zoo is not allowed to apply for accreditation before September.
On Monday, the zoo said the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' board of directors denied its "strong appeal" looking to get back its accreditation or to postpone the issue until next year.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is barred from species survival and breeding programs after losing an appeal for the loss of its accreditation.