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Micke Grove Zoo Eyes Accreditation After Grand Jury Vindication
27 Jun
Summary
- County has addressed grand jury's seven-year-old concerns about zoo.
- Micke Grove Zoo aims for accreditation within five years.
- Fundraising partnerships are being negotiated for zoo sustainability.
Micke Grove Zoo has entered the Association of Zoos & Aquariums' Pathway Toward Membership program, a crucial step toward achieving accreditation. This follows a 2018-19 grand jury investigation that highlighted issues with direction, staffing, and funding. The county has since complied with key recommendations aimed at restoring accreditation, boosting revenue, and creating a master plan.
The zoo expects to apply for accreditation within five years, a process that could enhance its funding opportunities and operational standards. Simultaneously, the county is negotiating with the San Joaquin Zoological Society to manage fundraising, seeking to make the zoo more financially independent. A 10-year master plan for the parks system, including the zoo, is also in development.
