TUCSON (KGUN9-TV) - The Reid Park Zoological Society does not support the zoo admission fee increase if it does not use 100 percent of profits for zoo operations and accreditation.
Back in Feb. of 2015, the Board of Directors for Reid Park Zoological Society issued a letter of support for a $3 fee increase for admission to Reid Park Zoo with $2.50 dedicated to support deferred maintenance of the Zoo and $0.50 to support field conservation projects.
According to a media release, Tucson City Council received communication from the City Manager’s office on Jan. 5 indicating a fee increase of $3 per person for Reid Park Zoo visitors.
The fee increase was being considered as a funding option by the City of Tucson to offset an anticipated budget deficit.
The fee increase would go to the general fund rather than deferred maintenance of the Zoo and field conservation projects, according to the media release.
Nancy Schlegel, President of the Reid Park Zoological Society says members and donors who support Reid Park Zoological Society, the Board of Directors have a clear duty to work for the Zoo’s best interests and that includes the best interests of the Zoo’s mission, financial sustainability and wellbeing.
Schlegel also says that not only is the Board not able to support a fee increase unless 100% of the increase is used for Zoo operations and accreditation, but they have no choice but to actively and publicly oppose any proposal that takes an entry fee increase and moves any of the money into the city’s general fund.
