For the cash-strapped Maryland Zoo, finding money to repair decrepit buildings and an outdated water system and to pay for other overdue maintenance projects is an understandable struggle. What homeowner hasn't let a few repairs slide? But the "to do" list has to get done now - the zoo's national accreditation depends on it. Improvements at the Druid Hill campus also are critical to its viability and support from loyal patrons.
The Maryland Zoo has until September to show significant progress on correcting deficiencies cited last fall by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. As reported by The Sun's Doug Donovan, the AZA extended for just one year the zoo's accreditation until it revisits the zoo in September. A loss of accreditation wouldn't shut down the zoo, but the Maryland Zoo needs to be moving forward, not backward.
The zoo's new president, Donald P. Hutchinson, and his team have secured $2 million to repair the zoo's outdated fire alarm system that covers the animal houses across its 160 acres. Also scheduled for repair is the zoo's antiquated water system. That's no small feat when you consider, as an example, that the zoo's signature penguin exhibit uses 12.5 million gallons of water a year. But without a filtration system, the zoo is forced to replenish the exhibit's water weekly. A new filtration system is among the coming repairs.
The zoo has struggled for some time with financial issues and a deteriorating infrastructure. An infusion of state funds two years ago helped put it in a position to move ahead. State, city and county support of the zoo remains, but the facility struggles still. It's borrowing $1 million it needs to continue operating until July, when the new state budget begins. And without Mayor Sheila Dixon's generous offer to forgive $473,541 in overdue water bills, the zoo's financial woes would be worse.
The zoo is taking the right steps - a new development director is at work building support in the private sector. That is essential to the zoo's financial security and viability. The new baby elephant, sure to be a draw and a crowd-pleaser, can't be the answer to the zoo's financial concerns. Not even a 290-pound pachyderm can bear that burden.