Erie Council Approves Zoo Property Transfer to Erie Events: What It Means

Erie City Council Approves Zoo Property Transfer to Erie Events

Erie City Council has taken a significant step in addressing the financial challenges facing the Erie Zoo by unanimously approving the transfer of nearly 100 acres of city-owned property, including the zoo itself, to Erie Events. This decision marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing efforts to ensure the long-term viability of the zoo and its role as a community asset.

The resolution was approved during the council's regular meeting on August 6 at the Bagnoni Council Chambers in City Hall. The vote came after more than an hour of public comments, with many residents expressing their support for the move. However, before the meeting, council members decided to remove another resolution that would have pledged annual city support of at least $500,000 for the zoo due to insufficient backing from the seven-member panel.

Councilmember Tyler Titus, who serves as the liaison to the zoo, emphasized that the city is not in a position to meet the zoo’s needs and that it would be unwise to attempt to do so. He acknowledged the challenges ahead for Erie Events but believed this resolution was the best course of action for the city and the zoo.

Urgency Driven by Financial Struggles

Zoo officials have been under pressure to find a sustainable solution due to the facility’s precarious financial condition. In a letter dated August 1, they formally notified Mayor Joe Schember of their intention to terminate the management agreement that has been in place since 1964. The letter, signed by Erie Zoo CEO Melissa "Roo" Kojancie and Jeffrey Beach, chairman of the Erie Zoological Society, sets August 1, 2026, as the termination date.

Without a new arrangement, the zoo had warned that it might begin to shut down operations, with animals being relocated to other facilities. This urgency underscored the importance of finding a viable alternative to sustain the zoo.

Proposed New Agreement

As part of the broader effort to address the zoo’s financial crisis, both the city and Erie Events are working on a new agreement. Erie Events, which manages several key local attractions such as the Warner Theatre, Bayfront Convention Center, UPMC Park, and two bayfront hotels, has proposed providing $500,000 annually in operating income. In exchange, the zoo and Erie Events have requested the transfer of the zoo, Glenwood Golf Course, Flo Fabrizio Ice Rink, and Glenwood Park—totaling 96 acres—to Erie Events.

The approved resolution includes several conditions to ensure the continued operation of the zoo and related facilities:

• Erie Events must commit to providing $500,000 yearly payment to the zoo.
• The organization must maintain a zoo on the property.
• A nine-hole golf course within the 96 acres must be maintained, with the city continuing to operate it while leasing it back to Erie Events for free.
• Erie Events cannot sell or transfer any portion of the property without city approval.
• If the zoo and golf course are not maintained, ownership will revert to the city.
• The city will continue to manage Glenwood Park’s picnic grounds and horseshoe courts, leased back to Erie Events for free.
• Erie Events will take over the Flo Fabrizio Ice Center.
• Utility costs and insurance for all 96 acres will fall under Erie Events’ responsibility.

Public Support and Community Reaction

During the public comment period, several residents, including current zoo employees, voiced their support for transferring control of the property to Erie Events. Darren Julius, a zookeeper with eight years of experience, highlighted the economic impact of the zoo, stating it generates over $21 million annually and supports more than 200 jobs. He also praised Erie Events' track record with other properties, calling them a more sustainable option.

Council President Mel Witherspoon initially planned to vote against the resolution, citing concerns about relinquishing city-owned property. However, discussions with colleagues led him to reconsider, ultimately supporting the move for the zoo’s long-term sustainability. Councilman Ed Brzezinski echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a solution and believing that partnering with Erie Events was the most logical choice.

Councilwoman Jasmine Flores and Kathy Schaaf also expressed their support, noting the zoo’s value as a regional asset that should receive broader community investment. They called for surrounding municipalities to contribute to the zoo’s upkeep.

Looking Ahead

Despite the approval, there are still details to finalize in the partnership between Erie Events and the Erie Zoo. Kojancie, who became CEO in December 2023, called the unanimous vote “a perfect outcome,” expressing confidence that the decision will benefit the city and region.

This move represents a critical step forward in ensuring the future of the Erie Zoo and its role as a vital community resource.