Edinburgh Zoo Zoo facing takeover by Spanish firm after secret negotiations

[Simon McGlary]

A very interesting meeting indeed. I am of the opinion that RZSS do not make sufficient use of its members skills. Everyone is aware that it is a charity and I'm sure, if asked, many would volunteer there services to asist Properties & Estates with such routine taks as painting enclosures etc. Interesting to note, also, the timeline of all of this that feelings really got raised within many members when an individual was suspended.

Many members are passionate about the Society in general and particularly the zoo. They want to see the zoo be succesful and are keen to support it. On the animals and education side it is respected and often leads in innovative ideas. Having experienced the change in catering in the newly opened Grasslands restaraunt I have to say, yes, the prices are up but with it, so is the quality of the food!

One of the biggest problems through this whole sage, however, has been the lack of communication between board and members. Members, especially those who are regularly at the zoo know the good guys. My big question is, how often do board members actually visit the zoo as visitors and see the zoo as it really is?

 

[Nanook]

I certainly would not describe the penguin pool as a total disaster, personally I think it is one of the best zoological exhibits in the country, certainly agree however that the metal work is in need of a lick of paint, I don't think it has been painted since new nineteen years ago, also agree that money should be spent on animal enclosures before kid's playgrounds, spending large amounts of money on climbing frames, swings etc. is all very well when everything in the zoological garden is rosy, clearly at Edinburgh this is certainly not the case at the present time, and as for changing the menu in the cafeteria, it may have been changed many times but has always been ,in my opinion mediocre, should be a very interesting meeting this week.

I agree , its all about getting the priorities right in the first place, spend money at the right time and on the right things, and think it through first.
Some collections still tend to waste huge amounts on the wrong projects at the wrong time and then wonder why they are in trouble.