Gerald W. Borin announced that at the end of 2008 he will transition out of his position as Executive Director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, following 23 years of service. The Zoo has grown significantly over the past two decades under his leadership. At 586 acres, Columbus has become the third largest zoo of the 220 AZA-accredited zoos in North America. With over 1.5 million visitors annually, Columbus has the ninth highest attendance among zoos, and ranks in the top ten in many other categories.

 

In addition, the number of animals is now 720 species and over 6300 specimens including 36 species which are listed as endangered or threatened and 130 species listed in CITES, the global Convention on the International Trade in Endangered Species. The Zoo’s education programs reach tens of thousands of children each year both at the Zoo and within the community. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium supports conservation programs in 30 countries. This organization is truly making a difference for wildlife.

 

“All of the success at the Zoo would not be possible without a great staff, dedicated volunteers and strong support from the community,” said Borin.

 

The City of Columbus and Franklin County own the Zoo real estate, the citizens of Franklin County support the Zoo levy and the non-profit Columbus Zoological Park Association manages, raises funds and operates the Zoo. The growth and development of the Zoo is a result of this successful public-private partnership.

 

With the passage of the Zoo levy that is in effect from 2006 to 2015, the acquisition of real estate for future expansion, the completion of the relocated Powell Road, the opening of Zoombezi Bay in 2008 and the start of the largest new exhibit ever built at the Zoo, Polar Frontier, Borin is satisfied with the progress to date and the opportunities for the future.

In addition to the growth and development at the Zoo, Mr. Borin remarked, “Twenty-three years at the Zoo and 16 as Executive Director make it the right time to plan the transition to new leadership. Over the years I have had the opportunity to work with my colleagues across the United States and around the world. It is personally rewarding to represent the Columbus Zoo to collaborate with passionate people working to transform zoos into leaders in global conservation.”

 

Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus, added, “In 1992, my filming shoots and TV appearances were taking up a lot of time, so I had to find the perfect person to run the zoo while I was on the road. I loved this place and I didn’t want to let it go.  Jerry was the perfect fit for the job, and I was learning things from him at the start!  We’re really going to miss him.  Jerry is a very modest

person.  I can honestly say that without his leadership ability, community involvement, and his vision for the future, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium would be not be where it is today.  He has built a model for others zoos and aquariums to follow – not only in this country, but throughout the world.  Jerry has been a mentor to me over the past 23 years and I’ll always treasure our friendship.”

 

 Bill Hoy, President of the Board of Directors, said “We thank Jerry for his exemplary leadership and dedicated service to the Columbus Zoo. His announcement at this time provides the Board ample time to ensure a smooth transition.”

The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for children ages 2 to 9 and senior citizens 60+. Free for children younger than 2 and Columbus Zoo members. For additional information please visit www.columbuszoo.org. The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you and a better future for all living things. With it’s more than 200 accredited members, AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats. For more information, visit www.aza.org.