![]() “These innocent creatures rely on us for their survival and we must all hold ourselves to certain ethical and moral standards,” the statement read. Hanna apologized for letting everyone down, and expressed sorrow for the many animals brutally penetrated and defiled. In the best interests of the zoo and the community at large, I feel it’s best to separate from the organization.” “In this matter, however, I’ve acted inappropriately. “I have dedicated my life to the success of the Columbus Zoo and to the preservation of wildlife everywhere,” the statement said. Since March, when evidence of the dishonesty was made public, Hanna has faced an increasing amount of criticism and numerous calls to step down.Ĭolumbus Zoo spokesman Joel Anderson announced the resignation at a press conference, reading a statement Hanna had personally prepared. In a text message sent to Karniak, Hanna said, “Terrelle may be caught up in something here in Columbus. Instead, he reached out to Briar’s hometown mentor, Ned Karniak, a man he first met in 2008 when he was recruiting the nation’s top zookeeping prospect to bring his talents to Columbus. Hanna responded by saying he would look into the matter personally, but never did. One man mentioned ‘banging hairy Australian ass.’ Concerned they were having sex with her. Gave access to Kiki’s cage (female koala bear). One email, addressed to “J.J.” (Jungle Jack) in November of 2010, read as follows: “Terrelle Briar (zookeeper) let some guys in last night. ![]() Although Hanna answered no at that time, emails and other documents released by the zoo later revealed that he was indeed aware of the activities and had taken steps to cover them up. Hanna’s involvement began in February, when he was first asked by ASPCA investigators whether he was aware of any inappropriate activities being undertaken by zoo staff. In early January, rumors of sexual impropriety at the zoo started reaching the Columbus ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), which launched a formal investigation shortly thereafter. Hanna’s family announced in April that he had been diagnosed with dementia and would retire from public life.Columbus Zoo & Aquarium Director Emeritus Jack Hanna resigned his position and formally severed other contractual ties to the organization on Monday, more than six months after allegations of romantic relationships between humans and animals at the zoo first came to light. His entertainment work boosted the profile of the Ohio zoo, leading to massive attendance increases over the years. He was well-known for his live animal demonstrations on late-night talk shows, as well as his own syndicated television shows. Hanna was the zoo’s director from 1978 to 1992 and then its director emeritus for many years. Tom Schmid, president and CEO of the Texas State Aquarium, was named the Columbus Zoo’s next leader on Tuesday. However, the group said it wants to see that these changes can be sustained. Staffers with the accrediting group who recently visited the zoo commended it on the changes that have been made in leadership and the animal programs department. A recent documentary raised questions about how celebrity conservationists, including the famous Jack Hanna, acquire exotic animals, and the zoo has since cut ties with animal vendors who don’t meet certain standards of animal care. Investigations and reviews by the Ohio attorney general’s office and the Ohio auditor are pending.īesides the financial issues, the accrediting group voiced concerns about the zoo’s acquisition of ambassador animals in its animal programs department. Subsequent audits initiated by the zoo’s board found that improper spending and questionable business practices by the pair resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in zoo losses, the newspaper reported. The accrediting group cited concerns about the zoo’s animal programs department and inappropriate businesses practices by its former leaders.įormer zoo oresident and chief executive Tom Stalf and former chief financial officer Greg Bell resigned in March after an investigation by The Columbus Dispatch found they allowed relatives to live in houses owned or controlled by the zoo and sought tickets for family members to zoo entertainment events. The zoo said it plans to appeal the decision announced Wednesday by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, considered the nation’s top zoo-accrediting body, one day after the institution announced its new leader. COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has lost its most important accreditation, a major blow to an institution once widely admired in its industry and by the general public.
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