Chehaw looks to reactivate volunteer group, grow revenues

ALBANY – Dr. Angel Face, the massive Aldabra giant tortoise, and Ruby the albino corn snake, were among the inhabitants at Chehaw Park & Zoo who had some after-hours visitors last week. 

The occasion was a celebration of the zoo’s Junior Zookeepers as well as an unveiling of some of what could be in the attraction’s future. Visitors got to feed lettuce to the tortoises and get a look at some of the newer additions that include a rescue lemur and red foxes.

Over the years, several of the teens who worked in the Junior Zookeeper program have gone on to become permanent employees at the zoo that opened in 1977, Chehaw board President Tom Seegmueller said.

“We’re recognizing the Junior Zookeepers and the service they provide, not only to help but as conservationists,” he said. “A number of our staff started their careers as Junior Zookeepers.”

Another purpose of the “Flamingle With Us” evening was part of the effort to “rebirth” the Friends of Chehaw, a support and volunteer group that had been on “a hiatus” for about three years. Other community supporters also were invited to hang out. 

The board president also shared some of the history of the park, which was created as part of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s Works Progress Administration program that provided work during the Great Depression. That means that cabins that now serve as offices are approaching 100 years old.

The zoo was initially stocked with animals moved from the former Tift Park Zoo and was designed by “Wild Kingdom” television show host Jim Fowler. The park was built on land donated by area landowners and initially was Chehaw State Park. 

“We’re inching up on the silver jubilee at the zoo and coming close to the centennial for Chehaw,” Seegmueller said. “Tonight we’re just going to recognize the people who supported us and get people excited.”

Consultant Greg Baker is thinking in more immediate terms for increasing revenue to fund operations. Baker said, the zoo needs to become able to sustain the care for animals and maintenance of exhibits.

“I think to sustain, we’re going to need to expand (funding sources),” he said. “Things have changed, and I think the park is going to have to change, too. I’m looking under the hood and trying to formulate a strategic vision for the next six or 12 months … to get the revenues that will sustain the park’s operational needs.”

The park has a large amount of land that can be developed with recreation and leisure attractions, he said. The RV park is another potential source of revenue if it can be transformed into a regional attraction and becomes a stop for motorists passing through the area.

“With the aging population that likes to travel, I think we could be very successful there,” he said.