Wednesday, October 8, 2014

Jackson Zoo announces MSU partnership. Financial condition improves.

The City of Jackson issued the following press release:




MSU-CVM, Jackson Zoo develop new partnership

The Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine and Jackson Zoo formalized and expanded a partnership to allow for more research opportunities for both institutions.
For many years, MSU-CVM has provided veterinary students with the opportunity to work a couple days at the Zoo to learn more about exotic medicine. Because of the success of the existing program, and the Zoo’s commitment to keeping pace with the zoological science and research, the two institutions developed a memorandum of understanding that would give MSU-CVM students more opportunities to learn about zoo and wildlife medicine.

“Our zoo is a wonderful teaching tool and the MSU-CVM students and faculty have the brain power and enthusiasm to help us advance our research on endangered species,” said Beth Poff, director of the Jackson Zoo. “We want students here to publish research and help us expand our species survival plan. This type of work doesn’t just benefit the zoo, it is important for understanding and preserving endangered species around the world.”

Jackson Mayor Tony T. Yarber sees the zoo’s plans and the student’s involvement as part of the city’s growth. He believes that this bold new partnership will help continue to develop Jackson into the Bold New City our citizens deserve.

“This partnership fits within our city and state-wide mission,” Yarber said. “We see the zoo as the epicenter of West Jackson. Building a stronger program there is the first step in developing the area and making changes that will impact the city and state. This partnership makes an enormous impact.”

MSU-CVM students currently work under Dr. Michael Holified, an MSU-CVM alum, to learn about the day-to-day management of zoo animal health. Expanding the program will provided students and faculty opportunities to publish research about the endangered species at the zoo, biosecurity, animal husbandry, and more.

“We have enjoyed a long and very good relationship with the zoo. Our students have learned a lot from Dr. Holifield and growing this program means even more opportunities,” said Dr. Kent Hoblet, MSU-CVM Dean. “Now, our students won’t have to go far at all to get involved in research of zoological epidemiology, and understand infectious diseases in captive and free-ranging wildlife. This will certainly serve them well as they step out into their careers.”

The memorandum of understanding was signed by Poff, Mayor Yarber, and Jerry Gilbert, MSU-CVM Provost and Executive Vice President. The zoo will welcome students into the formalized program this spring.

JJ also obtained a copy of the Zoo's most recent quarterly financial statements: 


6 comments:

Anonymous said...

MOVE THE ZOO OUT OF THE ZOO AREA INTO RANKIN OR MADISON COUNTY - THINGS WILL REALLY IMPROVE THEN

Anonymous said...

Financial condition improves?

Expenses running 9% ahead of plan. Three months remaining in their fiscal and admissions revenues are a PALTRY 51% of plan.

Take away the Gubment revenue (meaning the dumping of good taxpayer dollars after bad) which is far ahead of plan and the Zoo is back in the red ink.

That ain't no good news story Kingfish. Less subsidized than JATRAN but still a big time losing proposition. Surprised you term it an improvement.

Anonymous said...

It's an improvement 4:43. The numbers went from total shit to just shit. Maybe KF can get his buddy Stamps to explain it since Stamps claimed today on the JJ radio old time jackassery hour that he was a fiscal conservative. ROFLMAO

Anonymous said...

Zoos, like a community theatre, ballet company, a symphony, etc. don't exist to make a profit. They exist to improve the quality of life and to attract others to a community.
This understanding points as well to an educational function that doesn't just educate children but is important to the quality of our vet school.
This improvement is good news.
Yes, more money might come in if the zoo were in another area. Of course, those who argue that have no idea how much that would cost or how long it would take to break even or whether or not improving the surrounding area and avenues to the zoo might be less expensive.

Anonymous said...

Come ppl, cut the BS! Move the zoo. It's in the middle of a war zone that will never improve. Madison or Brandon. My family and stopped going to the zoo years ago. We take the family to the Zoo in New Orleans.

Anonymous said...

157,000 due to improvement fund? Surely state bond money is NOT being used for day to day operations?!?! Thats a BIG FAT NO NO!!!!!!! :O



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If you get tired come relax at the Fox News Tent. To gain admittance to the VIP section, bring either your Republican Party ID card or a Rebel Flag. Bringing both will entitle you to free drinks.Get your tickets now. Since this is an event for trolls, no ID is required, just bring the hate. Bring the family, Trollfest '07 is for EVERYONE!!!

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