POWELL, Ohio (WTVN)--The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium says it will appeal a decision to drop its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
The appeal must be filed by October 30th, and if it's denied, they have to wait until September 2022 to apply again for accreditation.
Zoo officials pointed out that the AZA commended them on 17 points of exemplary work in all aspects of zoo operation, and the commission's vote was not unanimous.
The accreditation team pointed out the financial management issues by the zoo's former leadership.
Jerry Borin, Interim Zoo President and CEO, said, "The poor decisions of a handful of people should not negate the good work this team does and how much staff members contribute to the AZA through committee work and leadership roles. Nobody currently working at the Zoo had anything to do with the position we find ourselves in today. We’ve acknowledged the wrongdoings of the past. We’ve also made changes and updated policies to ensure those cannot happen again."
On Tuesday, the zoo announced Tom Schmid will take over as President and CEO, beginning in December.