COLUMBUS — The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is excited to announce a groundbreaking achievement: four male weedy seadragons (Phyllopteryx taeniolatus) are currently carrying eggs — a first for any public aquarium in the world. This remarkable achievement highlights the expertise and dedication of the Zoo’s Shores & Aquarium care team in providing optimal conditions for these delicate […]
Columbus Zoo
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Ohio auditor’s report details Columbus Zoo scandal that led to prison sentences of former executives
COLUMBUS — Auditor of State Keith Faber released a special audit Tuesday on the investigation into the theft of $2.3 million in Columbus Zoo resources by former employees, leading to criminal convictions and prison sentences for the top executives involved. The final report, available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx, details the findings of the Auditor of State’s Special […]
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Former Columbus Zoo executive sentenced to 3 years in prison for fraud
DELAWARE — A former chief financial officer for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was sentenced to three years in prison Monday for his role in a broader scheme that defrauded the zoo of at least $2.3 million, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. “Greg Bell caved to temptation to enrich himself and his family at […]
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Former Columbus Zoo CEO pleads guilty to 15 felonies ahead of trial
DELAWARE — The former chief executive officer of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium entered a plea of guilty Tuesday ahead of his trial date, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. Tom Stalf pleaded guilty in Delaware County Common Pleas Court to 15 felonies: As part of the plea agreement, Stalf agreed to pay $315,572.65 in […]
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Former Columbus Zoo purchasing agent pleads guilty
DELAWARE — A former purchasing agent for the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium must pay $90,000 in restitution to the zoo after pleading guilty this morning to six felonies and two misdemeanors, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced. Tracy Murnane, 65, of Westerville, pleaded guilty in Delaware County Common Pleas Court to: Murnane, who was charged in […]
Posted inOutdoor
Trumpeter Swans removed from Ohio’s Threatened Species list
COLUMBUS — Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Director Mary Mertz announced Friday that the Ohio Wildlife Council has voted to remove the trumpeter swan from the state’s threatened species list. The delisting culminates a 28-year effort by the ODNR Division of Wildlife to restore a population of trumpeter swans […]
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Former Columbus Zoo executives indicted for theft of more than $2 million
COLUMBUS — Three former executives of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium were indicted today for their roles in a scheme to defraud the zoo of more than $2.29 million and use the money for personal benefits, Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost announced Monday. “I’m confident that when the allegations are heard in the court of […]