JACKSON, Miss.–Financial troubles are the reasons why the Jackson Zoo lost its accreditation last year. But, Wednesday afternoon came the announcement that the zoo will get that accreditation from the Assoc. of Zoos and Aquariums back.
The zoo had been operating with temporary accreditation during their appeal.
The zoo said the biggest reason they lost their accreditation was the City of Jackson’s failure to show a financial plan that would back the zoo. The accreditation hearing came just before the city passed its budget.
But, the zoo was also a half million dollars in debt.
At Wednesday’s meeting of the accreditation people with the AZA, the Jackson Zoo successfully showed that they would have financial backing from the city, thanks to Jackson paying off a loan, freeing up money to put into the park.
The zoo also holds fundraisers and one of the biggest ones recently was bringing animal handler Jack Hannah to Mississippi for $100 per ticket.
