Zoo executive director Beth Poff will probably know within two days whether AZA accreditation is renewed. A written appeal was submitted at the end of 2013. Jackson Zoo officials go before the Association of Zoos and Aquariums board March 26 in an appeal to reverse its accreditation denial at the AZA’s Mid-Year Meeting in Memphis. Jackson Zoo’s accreditation appeal hearing To contact Sherry Lucas, call (601) 961-7283 or follow on Twitter. Mayor Chokwe Lumumba’s passing was a blow, “however I think the groundwork he’s laid and the legacy that he wanted to see happen in this area will be carried on,” Poff said, with the city’s acting mayor, Ward 5 Councilman Charles Tillman, pledging his support to keep that forward momentum going. Increased focus on west Jackson and the city’s commitment of continued support of about $1.2 million a year for the next few years are also good things to report, she said. About week later, the city increased its support to $1.4 million (from $930,000 a year), that erased debt and increased operational funding. The zoo only had the promise of increased funding when it went before AZA accreditation commission last year, Poff said. While winter is a traditionally slow time at the zoo, spring break and school groups bring a boost in visitor traffic, Poff said. Last Saturday’s Zoo Day with a kickoff by Brandon singer and “American Idol” finalist Skylar Laine drew about 2,000 people, she said.įor an attendance comparison, October 2012 through March 2013 drew 17,300, with October 2013 to this March already seeing 25,175 visitors. Attendance is indeed been improving,” with social media also abuzz. “We have addressed the concerns of the AZA directly, so we feel optimistic that we have done everything we can to square their concerns and we look forward to the hearing,” he said.Īlso, “(zoo) attendance has been a touch better, compared to last year,” Poff said, “particularly spring break week has been really nice. The zoo’s financial outlook has improved dramatically with the city bolstering its annual contribution, allowing the zoo to dispose of some outstanding debt, said Eric Stracener, president of the zoo’s board of directors. The zoo remains an accredited AZA institution during the appeal process. Mostly clear spring break weather this week, too, has contributed to a sunnier outlook than the zoo faced this past September, when AZA membership renewal was denied because of financial instability. For a new February or March event off zoo grounds (the Hanna event was at the Jackson Convention Complex), she’d like to continue to bring other animal ambassadors to Jackson. Zoo Brew in April and Zoo Party in September are annual fundraisers. “Particularly at this time, it’s going to really help us with our AZA accreditation conversation, because it’s all about financial stability and community interest and this type of event is just really going to help shore that up” with extra funding and the attraction of new donors. “We’re extra happy about it because what we’d like to do is to add a spring fundraiser like this every year, so it’s wonderful to have Jack kick off our first one. “I’ve known Jack, gosh, over 20 years, and I’ve been trying to get him to come to the Jackson Zoo for the last couple of years,” Jackson Zoo executive director Beth Poff said of the in-demand animal ambassador.
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