L.A. Controller Ron Galperin recommended a series of short- and long-term changes for the Los Angeles Zoo and the independent entity that serves as its official support organization, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association.

The controller’s report calls for increased transparency and accountability at GLAZA, a nonprofit that supports the zoo and is made up of paid staff and a volunteer board dedicated to managing membership, concessions, fundraising and marketing. The controller also recommended consolidating and clarifying multiple governance agreements and better tracking performance.

Los Angeles’ current governance structure is unique among zoos, according to the report. According to a recent study of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, more than 80 percent of its accredited zoos throughout the world are nongovernment managed and largely operated by not-for-profit entities.

Meanwhile, the operating agreement and multiple memoranda of understanding between the zoo and GLAZA has resulted in an institution that does not live up to its full potential and is often hamstrung in attracting the contributions and resources that would better support a more world-class attraction and the highest level of animal welfare, according to the controller.

“Amid staffing shortages, infrastructure challenges and budget limitations the Los Angeles Zoo has fostered an appreciation for wildlife and educated generations of young people and adults,” Galperin said. “But more can be done to go beyond the status quo. The question is not whether change is needed at the zoo, but what form it will take. By implementing my recommendations, the zoo will best be able to ensure the welfare of the zoo’s diverse and unique plants and animals so future generations of animal lovers can continue enjoying one of L.A.’s most beloved places.”

One of the controller’s recommendations for the short term is for GLAZA to strengthen transparency. While GLAZA exists solely to support the zoo, it does not publically post its detailed financial transactions – only more general financial reports, the controller’s report said. To provide more accountability and transparency in line with public expectations, GLAZA should begin to provide the details of its operational revenue and expense transactions online, in line with how the city operates.

The second recommendation is to increase accountability. The controller’s report said the zoo and GLAZA need to better define and set performance metrics that should be compared against targets, as well as to the performance of prior years and to other similarly sized and situated zoos. Where targets are not being met, there needs to be a process for corrective actions.

The third recommendation is to clarify and consolidate multiple agreements. A series of MOUs following the original 1997 operating agreement between the city and GLAZA sought to create a structure to grow programs and activities while and grow support for the zoo.

Collectively, however, these governing agreements have created ambiguity and inconsistencies, according to the report. It is critical to the success of the zoo that these agreements be streamlined, so as to better clarify the relative responsibilities and sharing of revenues by the parties.

The report said that a longer term recommendation by the controller is for GLAZA to consider an alternative organizational model.

The L.A. Zoo and GLAZA said in a joint statement that they are committed to addressing the issues raised in the controller’s report.

“While our governance model has evolved over several decades to become a unique and successful hybrid of the governance models typically seen at other zoos and cultural institutions, we look forward to the opportunity to simplify and clarify the partnership. The city audit team has identified many of the same issues with our complex agreements that our two organizations have been working to address,” the statement read. “We are also committed to addressing recommendations for metrics, transparency and clarity collaboratively by exploring a more streamlined contractual structure for the immediate future – ensuring that the zoo continues to thrive as a treasured Los Angeles asset.”