Each year, some special interest group makes their case for using state conservation lands to their specific ends. Last year it was golf courses on state parks. This year? Zebras.

HB 1117 passed this Session, allowing zoos to lease state conservation lands to construct facilities, utilities and roads to support breeding and research operations for exotic ungulates—hoofed animals like elephants, zebras and giraffes. However, substantial private lands exist for zoos to lease land from—case in point: The National Elephant Center, which will break ground on leased private land in Brevard County next week.

The only real benefit to zoos for developing facilities on public conservation lands? A presumption of bargain basement lease rates, which will invariably come at the public expense.

The stated mission of zoos is normally conservation, but this use pits the conservation of exotic megafauna against the conservation of imperiled native species, for which these public lands were acquired.

Please take two minutes and use our easy email function to urge Governor Scott to veto HB 1117 (click here to read our formal veto letter to the Governor). He has until April 14 to consider this bill.

Some of our reasons why this is not a good use of public lands:

1. Shortchanging Florida conservation priorities: These lands were acquired with public dollars for the conservation of native species. Breeding facilities for zoos would occupy current or future habitat for these species.
2. Undercutting the private sector: Improved pasture is abundant on private lands, and ranchers and other private interests are better suited to enter into these partnerships. The opportunity for zoos to lease state lands, likely for less than a private landowner would negotiate, is an example of government competing with and undercutting the private sector.
3. Not Revenue Positive: Any revenue generated by these leases would be exceeded by costs—both in financial and resource values. Public land managers would have additional responsibilities to manage adjacent state holdings that would increase the state’s costs.
4. Eliminating public access:  For their own safety, the public likely will not be allowed access to their own land where these facilities are constructed.
5. Ecological impacts: Large exotics could cause the collapse of threatened gopher tortoise burrows, alter native plant communities and inhibit the use of prescribed fire—on the lease holding as well as adjacent lands. Much of the improved pasture managed by state conservation agencies is slated for future habitat restoration, which will no longer be possible with the long term leases necessary for these kinds of permanent facilities.