![]() Shumate said a second phase is planned to address broader issues of policy, procedures and practices. The first phase of work by the selected law firm, Porter Wright Morris & Arthur LLP, which focused on the two executives, is complete, The Dispatch reported, citing Shumate. A committee of the board recommended hiring outside counsel to investigate. The newspaper has reported that its questions prompted an internal review by the zoo’s board of directors in March. “Jungle Jack” Hanna is a zookeeper and Columbus Zoo director emeritus who became a well-known media personality. “It was (an) honor building on the legacy of Jack Hanna and making a strong impact on wildlife care and conservation internationally,” he said. In a Tuesday statement reported by the Quad-City Times in Davenport, Iowa, Stalf said he was proud of what he accomplished in Columbus and planned to continue his work in global and local wildlife conservation. Neither Stalf nor Bell could immediately be reached Thursday. “I’m troubled by both the allegations and the lack of transparency here, and this office will get to the bottom of it.” “Charity may begin at home for an individual, but it’s trouble when an executive for a charitable organization uses company resources for friends and family,” Yost said in a statement. He stepped out of retirement to take immediate control. The zoo named Director Emeritus Jerry Borin interim president and CEO on Tuesday. The newspaper reported that Stalf, 52, and Bell, 61, allowed relatives to live in houses owned or controlled by the zoo and sought tickets for family members to zoo entertainment events.īoth Stalf and Bell resigned Monday. Yost's action was prompted by a Columbus Dispatch investigation that uncovered apparent improprieties by Tom Stalf, then president and CEO, and Greg Bell, then chief financial officer. zoos.īoard Chair Keith Shumate said in a statement that the zoo welcomes Yost's involvement and will work with his office “as it examines the facts of this matter.” Your Wilds membership helps support endangered species, and entitles you to discounts and access opportunities. Its animal population is ranked second largest among U.S. Take it from a man whos been there, the work at The Wilds with rare and endangered species is like nowhere else. Republican Attorney General Dave Yost placed his office's Charitable Law Section in charge of the probe targeting the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a 501(c)3 nonprofit located in the Columbus suburb of Powell. Hanna’s family asked for privacy in their statement, noting the desire to honor COVID-19 restrictions.COLUMBUS, Ohio - Ohio's top law enforcer placed one of the nation's largest zoos under investigation Thursday after a newspaper reported misuse of assets by two top executives who later resigned. “Even though Dad is no longer able to travel and work in the same way, we know that his infectious enthusiasm has touched many hearts and will continue to be his legacy,” the letter says. That number has grown to more than 3,000,000 shimmering LED lights showcased yearly. In its first year, Wildlights featured 120,000 lights. ![]() ![]() Hanna also started the annual zoo lights show Wildlights at the Zoo! in 1988. ![]() #COLUMBUS ZOO SHOW TV#He would later head his own weekly TV shows - Jack Hanna’s Into the Wild, Jack Hanna’s Animal Adventures and Jack Hanna’s Wild Countdown. McConnell and Worthington Industries transformed the gorillas’ habitat and it represented a turning point for the Zoo - the community and other zoos took notice!”Ī letter from the Hanna Family /ewuNYa0ReGĪs his reputation as an educator and animal-to-community connector grew, Hanna made his first network television appearance in 1983 on Good Morning America. “In 1979, the gracious support of John H. “In the late 70’s, this was the normal practice, but the Zoo staff knew these animals deserved much better,” the site says. According to a timeline on the Columbus Zoo website, when Hanna arrived in Central Ohio, the zoo’s lowland gorillas had never been outdoors. Hanna’s family said he advocated for improving wildlife habitats and connecting the community with animals. He retired in December after serving as director emeritus for more than two decades and made regular national TV appearances throughout his career. Hanna took the role of Columbus Zoo and Aquarium director in 1978 and served for 14 years. “And yes - he still wears his khakis at home.” “While Dad’s health has deteriorated quickly, we can assure you that his great sense of humor continues to shine through,” the letter reads. ![]() In a letter shared on social media, Hanna’s family says that the 74-year-old’s condition progressed faster than they’d expected over the last few months. Wildlife advocate Jack Hanna poses for a portrait with a serval cub on Monday, Oct. Jack Hanna, Former Columbus Zoo Director, Diagnosed With DementiaĬOLUMUBS, Ohio (WOSU) - Zoologist and former Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna has been diagnosed with dementia and may have Alzheimer’s, his family announced Wednesday. ![]()
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