Seattle zoo goes to nonprofit

Associated Press

SEATTLE — The Seattle City Council voted Monday to turn over operations of the Woodland Park Zoo to a nonprofit society.

The city will continue to own the land, but the Woodland Park Zoological Society will take over custody of the animals and operate the zoo for the next 20 years under the plan, approved 8-1.

The plan still needs the approval of incoming Mayor Greg Nickels, which was expected.

The city Parks and Recreation Department previously handled animal operations, and the zoo society raised money through special events and sales of zoo merchandise.

Besides taking over animal and grounds care, the society will operate the adjacent city rose garden and a playground.

Seattle Parks Superintendent Ken Bounds said new management could bring in more private support and run the zoo more efficiently. More than half of the nation’s zoos operate under similar public-private partnerships, the council said.

The plan concerns some, including Councilwoman Judy Nicastro, who cast the single vote against it.

Nicastro said she opposed a provision that would dedicate $5.5 million from the city’s general fund to the zoo each year for the next 20 years.

"We’re hitting a recession, and we don’t expect to have as much in the general fund," she said, adding the money might be needed in future for public safety, transportation or other needs.

The plan also commits $2.5 million per year from a city parks levy passed last year.

Others have expressed concerns to the council about employee security. Zoo workers, who now are city employees, would become employees of the zoo society.

The council addressed such concerns by requiring the society to come up with a plan on employee pensions, medical coverage and other issues by the end of next year, before employees are transferred, Councilwoman Jan Drago’s office said.

Meanwhile, the council announced Monday that second-term member Peter Steinbrueck would be named its next president, replacing Margaret Pageler.