ZOO BOND IS NECESSARY, DESERVES VOTERS' SUPPORT.

Byline: Susan Mazzarella Local View

I am writing in support of the zoo's November bond measure. I take issue with your editorials about the Los Angeles Zoo's lack of planning, the city's failure to prioritize projects and the lack of oversight protection for the public.

The L.A. Zoo was built in 1966 on about 100 acres in Griffith Park. Since then, there have been few major improvements, and those were all through private funds raised by the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.

In 1995, the L.A. Zoo was in trouble. Its infrastructure was decaying, its exhibits were inadequate for the animals, keepers and visiting children, and there was disagreement among those in charge as to how it should all get resolved.

The city appointed an ad hoc committee to evaluate the L.A. Zoo, and three nationally renowned zoo leaders were brought in to recommend whether the zoo should be saved or shut down. Their report focused on four problem areas: L.A. Zoo management, the Department of Recreation and Parks, the Master Plan, and GLAZA.

The ad hoc committee recommended improving zoo management, establishing a separate zoo department, re-evaluating the Master Plan and formulating a strategic animal plan, and improving relations with GLAZA. It was noted that if these improvements were not made, the L.A. Zoo was likely to lose its accreditation with the American Zoo & Aquarium Association.

Subsequently, the California Occupational Safety and Health Administration and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cited the zoo for various infractions in the management of its exotic animals, making recommendations for improvement. The AZA suggested holding off on reaccreditation until the improvements were made.

In March 1995, Manuel Mollinedo became interim general manager of the L.A. Zoo. Since then, more than 670 safety, health and visitor satisfaction improvements have been made using city emergency funds. Some of these improvements are small, such as new soap dishes in the washrooms, and some have been significant, such as repairing crumbling pathways that were dangerous for strollers, wheelchairs and pedestrians.

In September 1996, the L.A. Zoo was reaccredited by the AZA. In July 1997, the new zoo commission was established to oversee the zoo's activities, reporting to and advising the mayor, separating the zoo from the Department of Recreation and Parks.

The Master Plan was re-evaluated, and a new, comprehensive strategic animal plan was formed, reducing the number of animals in the zoo's collection and increasing the size of their habitats.

Four areas were cited for improvement: the chimp exhibit, the elephant/pachyderm exhibit, the veterinary hospital, and safety measures for animals and keepers. In addition, the Master Plan called for a new animal holding area, new reptile house and a new sea lion exhibit.

Phase I of these improvements is under way, with a new chimpanzee facility opening in August. The exhibit is a one-acre, naturalized space with grass, trees, a waterfall, rocks for climbing, and termite mounds filled with treats for the chimps to enjoy.

The new veterinary health center is under way, as is the pachyderm forest. These all have been financed by the city of Los Angeles through old city and county bonds. Phase II is awaiting funding.

The bonds that we hope will be presented for vote to the people in November comprise Phase II of the consulting zoo directors' recommendations. The bond funds will replace a woefully inadequate reptile facility, create a South American and Central American rain forest exhibit, build a new sea lion pool and safer zoo entryway, and provide infrastructure dollars to repair plumbing, wiring and exhibits that are unsafe for keepers and animals.

These intentions are the result of years of planning. They are based on a priority identified by the city in 1995 as the result of a thorough evaluation, months of study and a detailed report that was accepted by the Los Angeles City Council.

Public oversight protection with close scrutiny will be provided by a remarkable zoo general manager and a zoo commission.

So why should we have a zoo at all? There are about 175 accredited zoos and aquariums in America. They are visited by more people than all the sporting events in the entire country, including all the games of basketball, football, baseball, soccer and hockey combined.

And why are they so well attended? Because zoos are safe, family-oriented, affordable and educational. And, they are fun.

I believe the children of Los Angeles need a zoo to provide a better understanding of their natural world and the delicate balance between all living things. Voters should be allowed to support that belief.