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Zoo Chairman Who Helped Set Up Safari Wild Deal Resigns

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By BAIRD HELGESON | The Tampa Tribune

Published: October 17, 2008

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  Fassil Gabremariam

TAMPA - A central figure who helped forge a much-criticized relationship between Lowry Park Zoo and its CEO's for-profit exotic-animal park has resigned from the zoo's board of directors.

Fassil Gabremariam, who served as chairman for the past year, voluntarily resigned from the nonprofit board today after its membership elected a new chairman, said Rachel Nelson, a zoo spokeswoman. The zoo's board also agreed to more local government oversight.

The zoo released no further information about the resignation. Gabremariam could not be reached for comment.

Nelson noted that Gabremariam's tenure as chairman brought more operating money from the city of Tampa and Hillsborough County.

Gabremariam signed off on a now-voided memorandum of understanding between the zoo's executive committee and Safari Wild, Lex Salisbury's yet-to-open animal park in Polk County. The agreement ensured the zoo and Safari Wild would not compete and would cooperate when they could.

As part of the arrangement, the zoo got a free 10-acre lease at Safari Wild for exhibit animals that needed a break from the Tampa facility. Gabremariam also allowed Salisbury to borrow or trade zoo animals, which are owned by the city.

Gabremariam has said the arrangement benefited the zoo far more then Safari Wild.

The executive committee severed the relationship in June after concerns arose about Salisbury running the zoo and his private safari tour operation.

Bob Merritt, the former CFO of Outback Steakhouse, will serve as zoo chairman for the next year.

Santiago Corrada, the city's designated member on the zoo board, and Hillsborough County school board member Susan Valdez will have a seat on the zoo's executive committee. The executive committee is more deeply involved in the daily operations of the facility than the full board, which has more than 30 members.

The additions expanded membership of the executive committee from six members to eight.

Mayor Pam Iorio asked that Corrada, Tampa's neighborhood services administrator, be appointed to the executive committee after news reports that Salisbury used zoo staffers, animals and resources for Safari Wild.

Salisbury is on paid leave until the results are released of two audits of the zoo's dealings with Safari Wild.

An audit by the city should be completed by the end of the month, Corrada said.

Reporter Baird Helgeson can be reached at (813) 259-7668.

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