Foundation disappointed by zoo management
ZANESVILLE – Recent findings from an investigation into mismanagement of funds at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has left local donors of a major project at The Wilds disappointed.
The Columbus Dispatch reported earlier this week that former Zoo CEO Tom Stalf bypassed the bidding process for a $2 million cabin construction project at The Wilds by personally selecting a contractor. The chosen company then billed the zoo a “substantial cost overrun,” according to the story.
The seven cabins at Straker Lake and a multipurpose lodge were funded by donations from Zanesville’s J.W. and M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation.
“The Wilds used these funds to build cabins that house Mighty Oaks Warrior sessions that assist military veterans with PTSD,” Susan Straker Holdren, president and executive director of the foundation, said.
Holdren condemned zoo leaders for their actions. Both Stalf and CFO Greg Bell resigned on March 29.
“The J.W. & M.H. Straker Charitable Foundation is extremely disappointed to learn that the Columbus Zoo’s former president and CEO did not seek competitive bidding for a project our Foundation and our founder funded,” Holdren said. “We appreciate the investigation that uncovered this information. It is important that those responsible have resigned and will be held accountable.”
Holdren indicated the foundation will continue to support The Wilds under new zoo management.
“The Foundation continues to believe in the Wilds’ and Mighty Oaks’ missions. We look forward to moving forward with new leadership who will not let personal gain get in the way of meeting our shared goals of helping people meet their potential and spurring economic development in southeastern Ohio.”
In addition to mismanagement of the cabin project, Stalf was also found to have used zoo funds to purchase a recreational vehicle for his own use and took it on a family trip to Put-in-bay, the Dispatch reported. cmholmes@gannett.com 740-450-6758
Twitter: @cmholmesgannett