Zoo Boss Steps Down, Surprise exit may hurt plans for expansion
2007-02-09
Emma Poole, Calgary Herald
The sudden departure of Calgary Zoo president Alex Graham on Thursday has triggered questions about the future of the facility and its controversial multi-million dollar expansion projects.
A brief three-sentence statement from the zoo said he was retiring, but offered no other details on Graham's exit from the organization.
With the zoo in the midst of several large expansion and development plans, Graham's withdrawal at the end of the month is less than good timing for some supporters.
"I think there's going to be some concern with the city that (zoo administrators) remain focused," said Ald. Andre Chabot. "I'm concerned about some of the corporate sponsors and some of the signing agreements we've gotten into."
Chabot called Graham's decision to leave a "complete shock."
He said the parting has left several unanswered questions -- mainly, what will happen to the controversial $120-million upgrade and Arctic Shores exhibit?
The city had committed $30 million for the project and the province another $34 million.
"He was integral in the planning," said Chabot.
The board of trustees of the Calgary Zoological Society said Graham is retiring from his position effective Feb. 28.
He had held the position of president and chief executive of the zoo since 1999, when he was 54.
"On behalf of employees and friends of the Calgary Zoo, the board of trustees offers Mr. Graham best wishes in his retirement and gratitude for his numerous contributions to the Calgary Zoo," read the brief statement.
A request to interview board chairman Ted Bogle was declined, as was a request to speak with Graham.
Calls to several other board trustees were not returned.
Ald. Bob Hawkesworth, who used to sit on the board, said he's disappointed to see Graham go.
"Clearly, Alex had tremendous strengths in implementation, and brought a number of projects to conclusion, including Destination Africa," he said in an interview Thursday. "He made a major contribution."
Hawkesworth disputed claims by some zoo watchers who believe Graham was far more concerned with the bottom line than the welfare of animals.
"I wouldn't agree with that. He brought a very strong business orientation to the zoo. It became entrepreneurial in a way it hadn't before," said Hawkesworth.
But members of the animal rights group known as Zoocheck Canada said Graham's leaving is the best thing that could have happened to the zoo.
"Ever since Alex Graham went to that zoo, their reputation has gone downhill so quickly," said Zoocheck spokeswoman Julie Woodyer.
"(The zoo) heard little from Zoocheck before Alex Graham."
Woodyer criticized Graham's plans to bring back polar bears and whales in the Arctic Shores exhibit and is hopeful the entire plan will now fall through.
"We are very encouraged by this news," she said.
Robin Harvie, a member of a Calgary family that has given to the zoo for generations, said she hoped a new CEO will be able to secure the funding need to begin work on Arctic Shores.
"He has been fighting all sorts of people about some of the projects, and maybe this is the change needed to get the financial support to get them off the ground," she said.
It's still unclear whether Graham will spend the rest of the month working in his office at the zoo.
Hawkesworth said a candidate to replace Graham could be found from within the zoo's gates.
"There's certainly strong leadership within the administration." he said. "There's a lot of people who would love to be the CEO of the Calgary Zoo. We've established a very strong reputation."
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