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Lowry Park Zoo's Chairman Voluntarily Steps Down

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By BAIRD HELGESON

bhelgeson@tampatrib.com

Published: October 18, 2008

  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 Friday 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.

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 executive committee severed the relationship in June after concerns arose about Salisbury running both the zoo and his private 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 of 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.

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

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

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