Doors close permanently at ZOO

Sadly, even a packed conference room of teary-eyed supporters couldn’t sway the members of the Santa Rosa County Tourist Development Council, which voted unanimously to not fund The ZOO Northwest Florida the $125,000 it needed to maintain operations through the winter.

Instead, TDC member Jack Sanborn made a motion to support the zoo when “someone of leadership” shows the board a plan.

“I think that’s what we need to see here,” said Ira Mae Bruce, TDC member. “There needs to a plan and I don’t even know who’s in charge anymore.”
Bruce referred to the for-profit organization, Animal Park Incorporated’s takeover of the zoo last Friday, from non-profit Gulf Coast Zoological Society.

ZOO founder Pat Quinn addressed the board with his concern about there not being any leadership in the government aspect of the community – one reason there might not be much community support.

“The people are looking for sustainability, and how can the zoo sustain itself without government and county support,” he said. “TDCs all over the country help fund their zoological parks.”

Even though the TDC can statutorily fund zoological parks, Santa Rosa County Commissioner Gordin Goodin still expressed concern over the TDC setting a possible precedent with its funding The ZOO.

“I think you’re going to open yourself up to a lot of requests for funding,” he said via conference call. “I can already think of three organizations that will come to (the TDC) for a request.”

As a result, The ZOO Northwest Florida will be closed permanently, effective immediately.

Quinn emphasized The Zoo’s animals, including more than 600 “exotics,” such as lions, great apes and giraffe, will continue to be cared for to the highest standards and will eventually be dispersed only to “qualified facilities, either public or private, that are licensed and permitted.”

“The welfare of the animals remains our primary concern,” he said. “The public can rest assured we will care for the animals responsibly, ethically and in a professional manner.”

Bob Switzer, a partner in API, stated that should a “long-term plan and support be forthcoming from community leaders” a chance remains The ZOO could survive.

“However, that window of opportunity is one that will not remain open indefinitely,” he emphasized.

For more on this story, see the Aug. 27 issue of the Navarre Press or subscribe online.