But a new partnership between farmers and conservationist is having great success in Africa and in zoos across America, reports CBS News correspondent Don Dahler.ĭeep in the "Heart of Africa" exhibit at the Columbus Zoo, visitors gather every day to catch a glimpse of one of America's most popular animals - the Labrador retriever.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.Despite being the fastest animal on Earth, the cheetah has had a hard time outrunning its fate as the most endangered wild cat. "Without question, the care and welfare of the animals remains our top priority," he said. Schmid said Monday that accreditation by a third-party professional association was important, "so we are exploring all options to continue fulfilling our mission and to continue our work with endangered and threatened species that need our help." The zoo has since cut ties with animal vendors who don't meet certain standards of animal care. A recent documentary, "The Conservation Game," raised questions about how celebrity conservationists, including Hanna, acquired exotic animals. The accrediting body also voiced concerns about the zoo's acquisition of ambassador animals. In this photo, Georgia Bolin of the Columbus Zoo staff holds the male babies, the first recorded twin birth of gorillas in captivity in the Northern Hemisphere. He said a decision would likely be made in March 2023 tied to a hearing.Įarlier, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium officials said the ruling on the appeal for the loss of accreditation would not impact the operation of the zoo nor the experience of visitors. If the zoo had to reapply for accreditation in September 2022, the facility would have an inspection in the fall or winter of next year, said Dan Ashe, former president and CEO of the zoo, in an interview with The Associated Press. "In the last nine months, the zoo team has moved mountains to make transformative changes that continue to make us a better zoo with new team members, new policies, and more oversights that were in place at the time of the AZA inspection in July," said Schmid, who assumed his position a week ago and participated in the appeal. Tom Schmid, the new president and chief executive officer of the zoo, said Monday's decision was disappointing but the zoo was "moving forward." The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was once widely respected in the industry and by the public and was linked with Jack Hanna, a former director of the zoo and a celebrity, according to Hanna's website. The accreditation denial in October from the association, which is considered the nation's top zoo-accrediting body, was a blow to the county's second-largest zoo. However, with the loss of its species survival and breeding programs, the zoo said it "will impact species conservation programs." The Ohio attorney general's office is also in the midst of a review of the zoo.Įarlier, zoo officials said the ruling would not impact the operation of the zoo nor the experience of visitors. The accrediting group said it has concerns about the zoo's animal programs department and the unethical business practices of its former management. Therefore, the zoo is not allowed to apply for accreditation before September.
On Monday, the zoo said the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' board of directors denied its "strong appeal" looking to get back its accreditation or to postpone the issue until next year.
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is barred from species survival and breeding programs after losing an appeal for the loss of its accreditation.
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