The Shelby County FY2026 Budget Subcommittee Meeting held on June 11, 2025, featured a critical examination of funding allocations for the Memphis Zoo, raising significant concerns about financial management and accountability.

The meeting began with discussions surrounding the proposed $1.5 million in recurring local funding for the Memphis Zoological Society. A committee member expressed strong opposition, labeling the funding as part of a "public-private operating conspiracy" that benefits elite business interests rather than animal conservation efforts. The member highlighted that since fiscal year 2019, the zoo has seen a staggering 68.7% increase in expenses, despite a reported 492.2% rise in revenues, which outpaced the inflation rate of 21.2% during the same period.

Concerns were raised about the zoo's financial transparency, particularly regarding $8 million in unaccounted funds within the zoo foundation, which has unknown board members. The speaker questioned why there was more scrutiny over a minor $100,000 expenditure by the Memphis-Shelby County Schools (MSCS) compared to the larger, unaccounted amount at the zoo.

Further scrutiny revealed that over the past decade, the zoo has fallen short by $14 million in fundraising, with significant increases in salaries and benefits that exceeded inflation rates. Specifically, salaries and benefits rose by 81% in fiscal year 2024 alone, with visitor services costs increasing by 251%. The speaker argued that the zoo's economic impact of $90 million, generating only $2.7 million in local revenue, indicates that the current funding model is unsustainable.

The meeting concluded with a call for a reevaluation of the zoo's financial practices and a warning against rewarding what was described as "reckless spending" with additional taxpayer funds. The subcommittee is expected to continue discussions on budget allocations and financial oversight in future meetings.