One zoo, not two

In 1992, the state Legislature set up a private nonprofit group that was given a specific mission: to reopen and obtain accreditation at the Stone Zoo in Stoneham; to maintain accreditation at the Franklin Park Zoo in Dorchester; and to “repair, enhance and otherwise improve’’ these two state-owned zoos and their collections.

Now operating under the umbrella of Zoo New England, both zoos are open, accredited, and improving. But the state is still picking up 60 percent of Zoo New England’s operating cost. With Massachusetts facing serious revenue shortfalls, Governor Patrick recently vetoed $4 million in state subsidies for the two zoos. As a result of the governor’s action, zoo officials are asking state lawmakers to override the veto.

Legislators should reject this request, and not only because of short-term budget constraints. This is an opportunity to rethink the original mission.

Zoo New England should get a supplemental budget appropriation, but only if it comes up with a phase-out plan for the Stone Zoo and a master plan that makes Franklin Park the destination zoo it can and should be. Zoo New England officials understand the potential to improve the flagship zoo by beefing up its exhibits and amenities and hosting special events. Yet the organization, as currently constituted, appears to lack the focus and the fund-raising muscle to pay for these improvements.

Most zoos receive some public support, but to be successful they also need earned revenue and private philanthropy. Whatever energy and resources Zoo New England can muster are divided between two facilities. There is reason to hope Boston civic leaders would step up to support the Franklin Park Zoo. But running a competing facility 13 miles north of Boston dilutes prospects for Boston-based philanthropy.

In making the case for two facilities, zoo officials argue that attendance is up at both; each draws from different markets; and the Stone Zoo is more of a revenue generator, since it accounts for 40 percent of attendance revenue but only an estimated 22 percent of costs. John Linehan, president and CEO of Zoo New England, also cites suburbanites’ dislike of city traffic as a reason to maintain the Stone Zoo, but that hardly seems to justify its public subsidy.

Linehan also contends it would cost Massachusetts more than it would save if either facility is shut down. Animals would have to be relocated and fed in the interim. Realistically, Massachusetts can’t pull the plug immediately on either zoo. But after 17 years of slow progress, it is time to pull the plug on the idea of operating two publicly subsidized zoos.