Erie City Council has approved a resolution to transfer the Erie Zoo's property to Erie Events.
 
"We've been working on this for close to two years now," said Erie Events Executive Director Gus Pine.  "What it means for us, is we've got a lot of work in front of us."
 
On Wednesday, in a unanimous decision, Erie City Council approved a resolution that will allow the city to transfer 96 acres of land where the zoo is located to Erie Events.
 
"This is not only about saving the zoo," said Erie Zoo President Roo Kojancie.  "It's about building something remarkable for future generations."
 
Under the resolution, Erie Events will provide the zoo with $500,000 annually, to help with operations.
 
Erie Events will work with the zoo to help it expand and oversee the zoo's operations.
 
"Our role will be administrative," said Pine.  "We really need to dig into their financials, make sure that their annual operating budget is operating in an efficient manner."
 
The new partnership aims to stabilize the zoo's operations while improving its infrastructure.
 
"One of the items on our bucket list, we want to accomplish as we work back towards accreditation is the construction of a new veterinary center," said Kojancie. "That will be key as we work our way back towards accreditation."
 
The transfer also includes the J.C. Martin Golf Course and the Flo Fabrizio Ice Rink.
 
"I can see both of those things staying in the long term and it's written in the agreement," said Pine.  "At the end of the day, it is (zoo) a ticketed venue.  It is a community asset.  It is about quality of life for citizens, so it fits very well from that standpoint to all the other facilities that we manage."