Zoo seeks to go out on own The NEW Zoo wants out of the Brown County Parks Department By Ray Barrington News-Chronicle Just as baby animals leave the nest, the NEW Zoo in Suamico wants to leave its Brown County Parks Department home. Zoo director and interim county parks director Neal Anderson told the county's Education and Recreation Committee the zoo wanted to become a separate entity, responsible for its own upkeep and keeping its own funds for future development. The committee took no action on the matter. Anderson said most zoos that start as arms of park departments eventually grow into self-sustaining departments and, eventually, into public-private partnerships. He said that with a new parks director coming in, now was the time for the zoo to move. He said if the committee agreed, the zoo also could run the Brown County Reforestation Camp where it is located, giving it control over extra parking. Many other zoos located in parks also run those parks, he said. Anderson said many zoos that stay as part of municipal operations turn stagnant and face trouble keeping their accreditations. He also said separation would bring more attention to the zoo and more donor support. Under one proposal, the zoo would report directly to the committee as the Brown County Golf Course does. Judy Krawczyk, president of the NEW Zoological Society, and others expressed their support for the move. She noted the expansion in the zoo, the likelihood of a new draw with a carousel to be installed next year, and an endowment that will help the zoo build and renew exhibits. "I think people are more willing to donate if they're sure their money is going to stay with the zoo and not go elsewhere," she said. Anderson cited the red tape involved in accepting donations, with required reporting to the committee and County Board meaning that a simple donation of an educational display could require several months. Dr. Tracy Gilbert, the zoo's veterinarian, said the zoo field was challenging. "One way to succeed is to put the people in charge who have the passion and expertise to do it," she said. Committee members said they were in favor of the separation, but expressed concerns about what it might cost the county in revenue and any relationship between the zoo and Reforestation Camp. Those questions would have to be answered before any move is taken on the separation. - Committee members discussed just how young somebody might have to be to get free entry into the Neville Public Museum. A museum subcommittee is looking at possible attendance fees for the museum. It recommended fees of $4 for adults, $2 for age 16 and under. It suggested not charging for children under age 1. Sup. Kathy Johnson wondered if an age 5 level might be more appropriate. "We had a lot of people arguing that," said museum interim director Gene Umberger, "because you don't want to lose people because they have a lot of small children." Umberger noted that right now, the museum doesn't have a major preschool program but hoped to add that in the future. Some time would be set aside for free admission, but whether that would be certain hours in a day or one day a month is still being discussed. "We need to offer something," Umberger said.