ZOO GROUP'S PRESIDENT CALLS IT QUITS : GLAZA'S ROLE MAY SHIFT.

Byline: Terri Hardy Daily News Staff Writer

Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association President Susan Rice resigned Thursday, trading her position as head of the zoo's private fund-raising arm for a job with a firm that counsels organizations on raising money.

City officials have called for scaling back GLAZA's role in zoo operations, and Rice said it was ``a good time'' to take a new job with The Wachtell Group.

``I regret leaving the zoo, but this is a terrific opportunity for me, and I thought it was a good time to go,'' Rice said.

City officials said Rice's reluctance to see GLAZA's power diminished had played a part in stalling talks that would establish the group's smaller role in zoo operations - and pave the way for the creation of a new Zoo Department.

``This resignation might accelerate the negotiation process,'' said Manuel Mollinedo, zoo administrator. ``In my opinion, Susan wanted to see a strong GLAZA with as much power as in the past, she was reluctant to give up that authority.''

Rice said it was ``not appropriate'' to comment on the talks.

GLAZA has come under fire from city officials and outside experts critical of the group's large paid staff, inadequate fund raising and continual power struggles over control of the zoo.

The chairman of GLAZA's board, Lloyd Levitin, said Rice will be missed.

``I'm saddened,'' Levitin said. ``We're going into a new phase and we need her capabilities, her dedication and commitment to making this a world-class zoo.''

Rice has been GLAZA's president since 1992. Under her tenure, the group originated the zoo's camp program and several educational programs, and published an award-winning magazine, according to a GLAZA statement.

In addition, GLAZA raised funds for 27 species survival programs, and has seen its contributions grow to include 50,000 individual and family memberships, the statement said.

But Los Angeles City Council members John Ferraro and Rita Walters - who sit on an ad hoc committee overseeing the zoo - have made it clear that they have been dissatisfied with GLAZA's performance.

The zoo had fallen in disrepair and was in danger of losing its accreditation by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association. Many critics said GLAZA used too much of its money on its large staff, and spent too little on animal improvements.

Deborah Ives, GLAZA's vice president of finance and administration, will assume Rice's duties May 1.