The Jackson Zoo issued the following press release:
Jackson Zoo Retains AZA Accreditation
 Jackson,
MS - Jackson Zoo and City Officials received news during the annual
mid-year conference of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums from the
Accreditation Board, that the Jackson Zoo will retain accreditation.
Early Wednesday
morning, Director of the Jackson Zoo Beth Poff, along with Zoo Board
President Eric Stracener, City of Jackson Ward 4 Councilman De'Keither
Stamps, Chief Administrative Officer of the City of Jackson Synarus
Green, and Director of Parks and Recreation Allen Jones spoke with the
AZA board as part of the appeal process that began in September 2013,
when the zoo was informed it was denied accreditation on the basis of
the zoo's financial stability.
"This recent accreditation speaks volumes to the value and impact of attractions like the Jackson
Zoo, on the educational and visitor experience of youth and families across our great city and beyond," said Acting Mayor, Charles Tillman. "The City of Jackson will continue to support and uplift its partnership with the Jackson Zoo."
Executive Director Beth Poff said "We are thrilled with the reversal of the earlier denial of
accreditation by the AZA and are pleased to continue to be part of this important organization" The zoo will continue to improve the visitor experience through its customer service, animal exhibits, educational programming, and conservation partnerships. In addition, the zoo will begin the implementation of the financial plan proposed by the Jackson Zoo Board and consultant Rick Biddle of Shultz and Williams. "While we will continue to work hard to provide visitors with the best zoo experience, the City and community will continue to be an active supporter of the zoo." said Board President, Eric Stracener. "Everyone can work together, and through visiting the zoo, attending events, and participating in programs, I know the Jackson Zoo will continue to make a turnaround."
"Approximately eight months ago, we had a zoo that was facing an issue, but now we have a zoo
that is debt free and accredited," said Councilman for Ward 4, DeKeither Stamps. "We are looking forward to a bright and prosperous future for the Jackson Zoo."
The Zoo has been asked to make progress reports in 6 months and again in one year. These
reports will be to show that the projected improvements and funding stay on track. The Jackson Zoo is accredited until September of 2016. |
17 comments:
...but now we have a zoo
that is debt free and accredited," said Councilman for Ward 4, DeKeither Stamps.
How did we get debt free?
The last balance sheet that I saw showed approx $1,000,000 in debt. Did the city bail them out? did trustmark get paid back?
Chuckie and Stamps had the taxpayers bail out the zoo debt.
They are also getting $1M in bonds from the state legislature. Talk about a waste of taxpayers $$$$!
Yeah but unless they default it will be taxpaying Jacksonians who will inevitably pay large portions of that debt also.
Move the zoo to NE Jackson by the Children's Museum!
234 that is too sensible. Racist too.
Hat Woman said it was in a "wunnerful" location.
Works for me 2:34 pm. It will put it closer to the Jackson Airport in Rankin county.
I went last weekend, it was fun. I try and support it as much as possible. Even saw young Patrick and Joey there enjoying themselves while they held hands.
Please do all you can 7:40 PM to support the heck out of the place because us taxpayers are tired of carrying your water.
Do they still have those red-assed apes climbing around on rocks and diddling themselves?
Lots of mean-spirited snarkiness here, about a community asset that means nothing but good things, exists for no other reason than to give pleasure and education to all ages. While the very concept of animals in cages/enclosures saddens me on some fundamental level, I'm thankful that we still have any zoo at all to enjoy. Yes, even in "that neighborhood."
I'm with Ophelia.
Too many folks these days know the cost of everything and the value of nothing!
And, Lord help, people are afraid of their own shadows! I'm surprised there are any cars on the road or that anyone goes to a hospital since those are the two most dangerous places in the country!
@ 6:12
They mostly hang out just outside of the entrance now.
Let's be honest Ophelia Butts.....When was the last time you bought an admission ticket? What a pious jerk.
Your kids better be virtually living at the damn frigging Zoo Eric.
Since we paid for the Zoo's survival at your behest we better see them greeting visitors every damn time we visit until now and the next time y'all go belly up.
And anything you do musically better be FREE for the Zoo from this point forward.
And if you exit the Zoo Board in the near future with the bullshit of needing time to do other things, or spend time with family, or due to the need to move elsewhere, or because of the time your law practice is sucking up, etc. then rest assured you'll be ..........
Stent, since when is being nice and objecting to the nasty and mean spirited naysayers the same as being " pious?
But, apparently you don't just need a dictionary but serious help.
You've threatened Eric, Stent. My impression of you because of that is that you are an irrational person prone to violence.
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