After two studies, management of the Niabi Zoo may change. Tomorrow, the Rock Island County Forest Preserve Committee will consider a resolution to put private managers in charge of the zoo in Coal Valley, instead of the county board.
The resolution calls for a committee to form a public-private partnership. Rock Island County would still own the zoo, but an independent board of directors would oversee a non-profit organization in charge of zoo operations.
Last week, a consultant hired by the Forest Preserve Commission released a report, which largely agreed with a previous study commissioned by the Niabi Zoological Society. Both reports found the zoo is not raising enough money, but that could improve with a switch to private management.
According to the resolution, a private-public partnership will "increase private sector fundraising" and "relieve pressure on tax-based sources of revenue."
It also says the "dysfunctional relationship" between the county and Zoological Society must be improved before re-applying for the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Accreditation. In 2012, Niabi lost its accreditation, and more than 75 percent of AZA accredited zoos operate under public-private partnerships.
Rock Island County Forest Preserve President Steve Ballard says the committee will consider the resolution tomorrow, and if it's approved, the forest preserve commission will vote next Tuesday, October 20.