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Zoo's CEO Takes Leave Of Absence

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By BAIRD HELGESON

The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 4, 2008

TAMPA - Lex Salisbury, Lowry Park's Zoo's embattled president and chief executive officer, is taking an immediate leave of absence.

Salisbury will be paid during his leave, said Bob Merritt, a member of the zoo's executive committee. Salisbury made $271,000 in 2006, according to the zoo's most recent tax filing.

Salisbury won't return before the conclusion of an internal audit and separate city review of the zoo's transactions with Safari Wild, Salisbury's yet-to-open exotic-animal park in Polk County. They should be complete within the next month.

The zoo released a short statement late Friday announcing Salisbury's leave. According to the statement, the decision was a mutual agreement between Salisbury and the zoo's executive committee.

"We want to make sure the audits are done without any undue influence and we don't want any appearance that Lex is involved with them," said Merritt, who is likely to become the next board chairman. "Then we can decide what, if any, additional steps need to be taken."

The intense public criticism and media coverage have taken a toll on Salisbury, Merritt said. "It's time for a break," he said. "We need to make sure he's healthy and that his head is clear."

Salisbury did not return messages seeking comment.

Deputy zoo director Craig Pugh and Larry Killmar, director of collections, will take over management of the zoo while Salisbury is on leave.

Questions Surround Zoo, Safari Wild

Salisbury's leave comes in the midst of growing questions as to whether he has used zoo staff, resources and animals to help start Safari Wild, which remains mired in county and state permitting problems.

The potential conflict of interest prompted an independent audit from the zoo's executive committee and a separate audit from the city. The zoo's executive committee found nothing improper when it reviewed the transactions, Merritt said.

Salisbury's leave of absence is a good move, said City Councilman Charlie Miranda, a city representative on the board. "I think the public welcomes this and it gives the process a sense of transparency that it needs," he said.

Zoo board chairman Fassil Gabremariam did not return messages seeking comment. Susan Touchton, also on the executive committee, declined to discuss Salisbury's leave.

Richard L. Stohler, vice chairman of the zoo's board, said numerous former zoo supporters told him they've lost faith in the leadership and direction of the facility.

Stohler said he fears what would happen if Salisbury doesn't return. "If Lex resigns or leaves, he'll take two or three key staffers with him."

Stohler said he was not part of the discussion that led to Salisbury's decision to leave. He wouldn't comment on whether Salisbury's break was necessary for the organization.

Salisbury has worked at the zoo 21 years. He became executive director in 1994 and president and CEO in 1997.

He is widely credited with reviving what had been one of the nation's worst zoos. The zoo has grown from a small city-run facility to a highly acclaimed attraction with a $20 million annual budget and a national reputation.

Salisbury has said neither he nor Safari Wild profited from his relationship with the zoo.

He and St. Petersburg veterinarian Stephen Wehrmann bought 258 acres of land north of Lakeland in 2007 to build Safari Wild. For about $50 each, visitors will take African-style tours to see exotic and endangered species.

Late last year, the zoo's six-member executive committee signed a memorandum of understanding with Safari Wild to ensure the facilities will work together and not compete.

Zoo, Safari Wild Link Details Emerge

The executive committee severed the relationship in June after concerns arose about Salisbury's possible conflict running the taxpayer-supported zoo at the same time he was running a for-profit, exotic-animal park.

Several members of the zoo's full board, which isn't involved in the daily operations of the zoo, were upset that they never knew about the agreement with Safari Wild, or that Salisbury was an owner.

Since then, information has come to light that the connection between the zoo and Safari Wild were much closer than Salisbury or zoo officials had publicly acknowledged.

The Tampa Tribune reported in August that e-mail showed some zoo administrative staffers were helping win support and publicity for Safari Wild.

The Tribune then reported that the zoo built two barns and fencing on Safari Wild property, which cost nearly $159,000. The barns were part of a free, 10-acre lease between the zoo and Safari Wild that would provide space for zoo animals that needed a break from life in captivity.

When the zoo ended its relationship with Safari Wild, zoo officials agreed to relocate the barns once they found suitable replacement land. Nearly all of the zoo animals have been removed from Safari Wild, except five bison that were displaced by the zoo's new Gator Falls flume ride. The zoo is paying Safari Wild $600 a month to board the animals.

Killmar said this week that the zoo has bought, sold, traded, lent or donated 201 animals with Salisbury in the last two decades. Most of the animals he borrowed from the zoo came with breeding agreements that allowed him keep at least some of the offspring.

The zoo president lives on his own exotic-animal ranch in Dade City.

Mayor Pam Iorio sent a letter to the zoo in early September insisting it end the relationship with Safari Wild and that future animal transfers to private property be approved by the city.

The city of Tampa's 1988 lease agreement with the Lowry Park Zoological Society stipulates the city owns the animals and their offspring.

Salisbury has said he wasn't aware of that part of the agreement until recent weeks.

Reporter Baird Helgeson can be reached at (813) 259-7668 or bhelgeson@tampatrib.com.

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