The Association of Zoos and Aquariums recommended the Topeka Zoo consider a different governing structure in 2011, and nine years later, the Topeka City Council is approaching a decision on whether to allow nonprofit group Friends of the Topeka Zoo to take over daily operations. “I love the freedom for them, I love the concept and the potential, and everyone loves the zoo,” city council member Karen Hiller said. “I will have some questions, but I think this is about ready to go.” City council has discussed a governance transition before, but Fred Patton, vice president and incoming president of FOTZ, said the city is pushing for the agreement now more than it has before. Patton said past negotiations were stalled after city staff, like city managers, would leave office and the two sides would have to start over with new staff.
Source: Local News | Topeka Capital-Journal
