In 2015, hundreds of fish at the Corpus Christi aquarium died suddenly when staff poured what they thought was an anti-parasite drug into aquarium tanks. To understand Warmolts’ enthusiasm, it helps to consider another controversy Schmid navigated while leading the Texas State Aquarium, where he served as president for more than two decades. New Columbus Zoo CEO has a history of restoring reputations I think there’s a second golden age coming for the zoo.” Now our excitement and passion has been rekindled. “A year ago, I thought things were looking pretty bleak, and I was contemplating retirement. “When I heard Tom Schmid was on the short list, I was surprised and thrilled,” says Doug Warmolts, the zoo’s vice president of animal care who has known Schmid for years as the latter worked in aquariums. Much work remains, but five months in, Schmid seems to be winning over staff, volunteers and community leaders with his calm manner, humble personality and positive demeanor. More: Schmid Pledges to Restore Public Trust and Regain National AZA Accreditation Today, Schmid is working to rebuild the zoo’s credibility, earn back its accreditation and regain its lost trust with the Central Ohio community, which provides the zoo with public funding. The zoo hit a low point in December when the Association of Zoos & Aquariums pulled its accreditation, a stunning turn of events for what was once one of the most admired animal care facilities in the country. Then Hanna himself was dragged through the mud, when a documentary alleged that the zoo icon dealt with backyard animal breeders. First, Stalf and three other officials were accused of misusing zoo money. After former director Jack Hanna arrived in the late 1970s, the once-struggling zoo became a nationally acclaimed institution, earning significant public support and expanding dramatically.īut that stellar reputation has taken a beating over the past year. For decades, the Columbus Zoo was one of the most beloved institutions in the area. Since coming to the zoo in December to replace CEO Tom Stalf, Schmid has been a sort of Mr. Without thinking, the zoo’s new leading man, Tom Schmid, bends down and ties Mulholand’s shoelaces.
More specifically, an untied sneaker worn by longtime docent Nancy Mulholand as she hurries to her next volunteer post on a sunny spring day in March.
As the new director of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium walks the path near the outdoor elephant yard, a shoe catches his eye.
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