Texas State Aquarium’s longtime leader, Tom Schmid, will become the next president and CEO of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium.
Why it matters: Schmid starts Dec. 6 and will be responsible for restoring public trust in the zoo following recent scandals.
- The zoo could soon lose accreditation with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, a distinction it has had since 1980, according to a WCMH story.
- Tom Stalf, Schmid’s predecessor, resigned in March amid allegations that he used zoo assets personally, including credit cards, vehicles, homes and tickets to events.
- At least $631,000 in losses were attributed to Stalf and three other former zoo officials, according to a forensic audit.
- A recent documentary also uncovered longtime zoo director Jack Hanna’s involvement in the exotic big cat trade.
- More