Downtown Zoo Project Officially Cancelled After Zoo Levy Failed

Columbus Zoo officials say they heard voters and no longer will seek a downtown zoo nor a large permanent tax levy like the one that went down in defeat last month. Zoo president Tom Stalf says he and other officials are assessing what steps to take now. The proposed levy that was voted down would have doubled the zoo taxes paid by Franklin County property owners. “We definitely wanted to speak out for the zoo and make sure that the voters realize that we're humbled and we're sorry for the request. We want to dust ourselves off and get input from the voters and community leaders as we move forward," Stalf said. Stalf says it’s not clear if the zoo will seek another levy this year. He says everything’s on the table, including asking Delaware County voters to help pay for the zoo.