That was the obvious implication fo Supervisor John Moorlach's comment about turning the OC Zoo's inhabitants over to the Santa Ana Zoo, so I called John to ask him if he was indeed calling for closing the OC Zoo.
He said no, but he wants the county to look at the zoo's operations, find out why attendance is on the decline and find ways to increase public awareness and attendance. And ultimately, if attendance doesn't grow, he'd recommend shutting it down.
I don't agree with Sup. Moorlach that "no one's coming" to the OC Zoo. The attendance figures in the Grand Jury report are inaccurate because the then-zoo director provided incomplete information. I think the first clue to the Grand Jury would be the precipitous 55,000 person attendance drop from 2003/2004 to 2004/2005:
2003/2004: 163,732
2004/2005: 108,909
2005/2006: 102,296
For some reason, the latter figures begin excludes free admissions such as children who visit the OC Zoo as part of county Department of Education's "Inside the Outdoors" program. That accounted for an additional 31,000 visitors in 2005/2006 (per HBP Department's response).
I should also be noted the Zoo is not subsidized from the county general fund, but a "combination of fees, HBP funds, contributions and grants."
That said, it stands to reason zoo attendance would increase if the public awareness of the zoo increased. Parents aren't going to think about taking their kids to a zoo they don't know exists.
I'm right there with Sup. Moorlach on reducing the size of government (although we part company on his support for subsidizing the OC Tourism Council; I teased him that $150,000 subsidy should be earmarked for marketing the Orange County Zoo). But there are few functions that are properly in the sphere of local government: infrastructure, public safety and parks. The Orange County Zoo and the Santa Ana Zoo aren't exactly the San Diego Wild Animal Park, but they give families are an opportunity, for a nominal admission fee, to spend time together while learning about wildlife.
But it's productive to have this conversation. It's an opportunity to re-think how our parks are run and plot strategies for increasing their use by the public -- and hope fully, utlimately, reducing the price the public pays to use them.
I'm with you on this one. The OC Zoo provides a great opportunity for kids to see wildlife, which as we become more urban takes on even more importance.
Posted by: Bladerunner | June 29, 2007 at 11:57 PM
This guy has absolutely no idea how to be a Supervisor. Jubal is right on this one. Follow the core functions of County government Moorlach. Hopefully the second district will wise up an actually elect someone who cares about the County.
What brought him his fame again? oh ya..predicting the bankruptcy. Wait...thats right, he didnt. Chris Street did.
Posted by: | June 30, 2007 at 09:21 AM
See Matt, I knew we could agree on something. KEEP THE ZOO.
I do also think that the Board may be wise to consider holding one of their meetings at the zoo. I've got a feeling that a few of the members may feel right at home. :)
Posted by: Chris Prevatt | June 30, 2007 at 10:35 AM
Anon at 9:21 a.m.
In the end, John didn't call for immediately closing the OC Zoo, but for looking at ways to make it better and increase attendance.
The Board ought to take a closer look at the OC Zoo, and not take a "Thanks for the update!" response to the Grand Jury report (which they didn't).
Posted by: Jubal | June 30, 2007 at 10:57 AM
Why don't we re-locate Nacho the Bear to Moorlach's office to sit behind the $10K desk and watch the $9K big screen, plasma, HD, TV? What an stupid idea.
Posted by: Zoo Keeper | June 30, 2007 at 01:44 PM
I wonder how the O.C. Zoo will fare once the Irvine Great Park opens up?
Posted by: Art Pedroza | July 01, 2007 at 06:13 AM
Does Otto Bade still have the contract for the snack bar at the zoo?
Posted by: Long-time politico | July 01, 2007 at 02:11 PM
I am going to have to check out this zoo. But it has been my experience that I have learned more about wild animals from exhibits where they are stuffed such as at the LA Natural History Museum.
Posted by: Zoological | July 01, 2007 at 04:12 PM
2:11,
Yes he is. His wife and kids run it while he sells real estate. They do a fine job! The food is very good...much better than what you might expect from a food stand at a small zoo.
Posted by: Art Pedroza | July 01, 2007 at 09:29 PM
I have been to the O.C. Zoo many times. You get in free when you are a member of the Santa Ana Zoo.
A few thoughts:
1. The Santa Ana Zoo does not do much to cross-promote the O.C. Zoo. Why not? They should have a poster up touting the fact that becoming a member at one zoo gets you into the other zoo for free.
2. You have to pay just to get into the park where the O.C. Zoo is located. Here is a thought - how about half-price or free parking for members of the O.C. Zoo? This would encourage others to join up in order to get a better parking rate.
3. How about occasional FREE days at the O.C. Zoo for O.C. residents and their families? If they see it for free, they might like it and buy a membership.
4. The Irvine Great Park is coming. Why not put up some sort of advertisement for the O.C. Zoo at the Great Park?
5. I just took a look at the O.C. Zoo website. They have a lot of neat programs for kids! But I have NEVER seen anything about them in print - anywhere. Obviously they need some help with P.R.
Here is a thought - collect the email address of every visitor - offer them a free zoo sticker or something in return - and email a regular newsletter. Works every time...in fact I just checked and they have a newsletter - but it is only for members. Not good! Distribute it WIDELY...
Posted by: Art Pedroza | July 01, 2007 at 09:37 PM
Does Otto Bade still have the contract for the snack bar at the zoo?
Bade has it at the Santa Ana Zoo. There isn't an OC Zoo concession stand.
Posted by: Jubal | July 02, 2007 at 06:55 AM
Jubal,
True - that is what I meant. Bade has had the concession at the SA Zoo for some time. He also does catering...
Posted by: Art Pedroza | July 02, 2007 at 12:01 PM
So why DOESN'T the O.C. Zoo have a food concession? Might be a good way to help pay for the operation.
Posted by: Better than taxes | July 02, 2007 at 12:37 PM
My kids liked the zoo when they were little. It was a great way to introduce them to local wildlife: coyotes, raccoons, ravens, and the other beasties that live all around us but little kids only know from story books.
Haven't been there is a while, but I hope it continues. Also, as a member of the Santa Ana zoo, I agree the two zoos should do more to cross-promote one another. The two zoos are much more complementary than competitive.
Posted by: tylerh | July 02, 2007 at 01:06 PM
There's a food concession just a 100 feet away from the OC Zoo, next to the lake house and bike rental.
And cross promotion is great if the City of Santa Ana and the County of Orange can work out some kind of arrangement.
Posted by: Jubal | July 02, 2007 at 01:19 PM