Cherry Brook Zoo says financial questions behind Collrin probe
Leonard and Lynda Collrin asked to stop involvement with charitable zoo pending investigation
A statement from the trustees of the Cherry Brook Zoo points to financial issues being behind the zoo's sudden parting of ways with founders Leonard Collrin and Lynda Collrin.
The husband-and-wife team, who founded the zoo in 1978, are no longer associated with the zoo. However, little explanation has been given for their departure.
On Wednesday, the board issued a statement saying it had retained the legal firm of Gilbert McGloan Gillis with respect to "an on-going investigation."
"The board acknowledges the concerns of its valued donors and the public that donations to the zoo be spent for the care and maintenance of the zoo's animals," said the board in its statement.
"The board has asked that two individuals cease their involvement with the zoo pending an investigation," stated the board.
"The board has retained professionals to commence an immediate investigation.
"The board believes its donors and the public have the right to know, after a proper investigation, what the issues were and the outcome."
Leonard Collrin was the zoo's administrative director and his wife Lynda was a volunteer. They lived on the zoo property but are no longer on the site.
The Cherry Brook Zoo is a registered non-profit charity whose mandate is animal conservation and education.
Revenue Canada figures
The most recent financial information for the Cherry Brook Zoo is from 2014 and shows annual revenue of $374,828 against expenditures of $393,433.
The Revenue Canada filing shows assets of $24,563 in 2014 against liabilities of $15.913.
The document shows the zoo paid $229,273 in compensation for five full-time and 13 part-time employees.
The highest paid employee was paid between $40,000 and $79,999 while the four other full-time employees were paid less than $40,000.
Operational expenditures by the zoo included $19,088 in travel and vehicle expenses and $60,195 in occupancy costs.