What Happened to Columbus Zoo and Aquarium?
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium has navigated significant challenges in recent years, including a major financial scandal involving former executives that led to a temporary loss of its prestigious AZA accreditation. Under new leadership, the Zoo has regained accreditation, implemented stringent financial controls, and continues to invest in animal habitats and guest experiences, though it recently faced multiple 'swatting' incidents in May 2026.
Quick Answer
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium experienced a major financial scandal from 2011-2021, leading to the resignation of former executives, a temporary loss of its AZA accreditation, and subsequent criminal convictions. Under new President and CEO Tom Schmid, the Zoo has since regained its accreditation, implemented robust financial oversight, and is actively enhancing its facilities and conservation efforts. Most recently, in early May 2026, the Zoo was evacuated twice due to false bomb and active shooter threats, believed to be part of a coordinated 'swatting' campaign against zoos nationwide.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline15 events
Former CEO and CFO Resign Amid Misconduct Allegations
Former President and CEO Tom Stalf and CFO Greg Bell resigned following an investigation by The Columbus Dispatch into their alleged misuse of zoo assets for personal gain.
Forensic Analysis Confirms Misuse of Zoo Resources
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium Board of Directors announced the conclusion of a forensic analysis by Plante Moran, confirming the misuse of at least $631,651 in zoo resources by former leaders.
AZA Revokes Accreditation; Tom Schmid Named New CEO
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) revoked the Columbus Zoo's accreditation due to concerns over leadership and animal programs. Concurrently, Tom Schmid was named the new President and CEO.
AZA Appeal Denied
The Columbus Zoo's appeal against the AZA's decision to revoke its accreditation was denied, though the Zoo retained the option to reapply in autumn 2022. Tom Schmid officially began his role as CEO.
Columbus Zoo Regains AZA Accreditation
After implementing significant changes in leadership, financial oversight, and animal programs, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium successfully regained its accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Former Executives Indicted for $2.29 Million Fraud Scheme
Former CEO Tom Stalf, CFO Greg Bell, and Marketing Director Pete Fingerhut were among those indicted for their roles in a scheme to defraud the zoo of more than $2.29 million.
Launches 'UNEXTINCT' After-Hours Experience
The Columbus Zoo unveiled 'UNEXTINCT,' a new after-hours immersive nighttime journey of light and sound created by former Disney Imagineers, focusing on wildlife conservation.
Announces Major Habitat and Security Upgrades
The Zoo announced several new projects, including the expansion of the Bonobo Habitat, upgrades to the Elephant Yard, enhancements to the North America Trek, and the installation of a new EVOLV security system.
Ohio Auditor Releases Final Report on $2.3 Million Fraud Scheme
The Ohio Auditor of State released its final report on the $2.3 million fraud scheme, leading to five convictions and a total of 15 years in prison for former employees, and ordered $1.7 million in restitution.
Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival Unveils New Attractions for 2025
The popular Columbus Zoo Lantern Festival was announced to return from July 31 to October 5, 2025, featuring new mythical creature lanterns and interactive displays.
Two New Board Members Appointed
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced the appointment of Stacey Burbure and Jessica Mayer to its Board of Directors, bringing expertise in regulatory engagement and legal/compliance.
Welcomes New Masai Giraffe Calf
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium announced the birth of a new Masai giraffe calf, a significant event for conservation efforts.
The Wilds Opens for 2026 Summer Season with New Rhino Calves
The Wilds, a 10,000-acre conservation center managed by the Columbus Zoo, opened for its 2026 summer season, highlighting new rhino calves born earlier in the year.
Zoo Evacuated Due to Bomb Threat
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was emergency evacuated after receiving a reported bomb and active shooter threat, which authorities later believed to be a 'swatting' call. The Zoo closed for the day but reopened the next morning.
Second Evacuation Due to Active Shooter Threat
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium was evacuated for a second time in a week due to a reported potential active shooter threat. All guests, staff, and animals were confirmed safe, and the threat was cleared, though the zoo remained closed for the day.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The Columbus Zoo and Aquarium, a renowned zoological institution, faced a period of significant turmoil stemming from a widespread financial scandal that came to light in 2021. An investigation by The Columbus Dispatch revealed that former President and CEO Tom Stalf and former Chief Financial Officer Greg Bell had misused zoo assets for personal gain, including providing free tickets to family members and allowing them to live in zoo-controlled housing. Both executives resigned in March 2021 following these revelations.
A forensic analysis, initiated by the Zoo's Board of Directors in August 2021, confirmed the misuse of resources by former leaders, detailing losses of at least $631,651 due to unauthorized personal gains and benefits. This scandal led to a major blow for the institution when the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) revoked its accreditation in October 2021, citing concerns over leadership and animal programs. The Zoo appealed the decision, but it was denied in December 2021, with an option to reapply in autumn 2022.
In response to the crisis, Tom Schmid, a highly regarded leader from the Texas State Aquarium, was appointed as the new President and CEO in October 2021, officially beginning his role in December. Under Schmid's leadership, the Zoo embarked on a path to rebuild public trust and strengthen its operations. This included implementing new whistleblower programs, tightening credit card and reimbursement rules, and establishing clear boundaries around executive authority. These efforts proved successful, and the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium proudly regained its AZA accreditation in March 2023.
The legal consequences for the former executives continued to unfold. In September 2023, three former executives, including Tom Stalf and Greg Bell, were indicted for their roles in a scheme to defraud the zoo of over $2.29 million. The Ohio Auditor of State released its final report in May 2025, detailing a $2.3 million fraud scheme that resulted in five convictions and a total of 15 years of prison time for the former employees. The report highlighted a 'culture of illegal perks,' with funds spent on lavish items like concert tickets, sporting events, golf memberships, and vacations.
As of 2026, the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium is focused on its mission of 'Empowering People. Saving Wildlife.' It has continued with significant facility enhancements, including the expansion of the Bonobo Habitat, upgrades to the Elephant Yard, and enhancements within the North America Trek region, along with the installation of a new EVOLV security system. The Zoo also regularly announces new animal births and special events like the 'UNEXTINCT' after-hours experience and the popular Lantern Festival. However, the institution faced a new challenge in early May 2026, when it was evacuated on May 2 and again on May 5 due to bomb and active shooter threats. Authorities believe these were 'swatting' calls, part of a coordinated series of false threats targeting zoos nationwide, but the Zoo responded with full evacuations out of an abundance of caution, ensuring the safety of guests, staff, and animals.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Columbus Zoo and Aquarium made different choices?