Cherry Brook Zoo and Collrins cut ties

Leonard Collrin and Linda Collrin's long relationship with the Cherry Brook Zoo in Saint John has ended.

The zoo confirmed Friday that Leonard Collrin, the zoo's chief administrative director, and his wife Linda, who was a volunteer, are no longer associated with the zoo.

The zoo's board of trustees is to issue a statement Monday on how the zoo will proceed.

The Collrins lived on the zoo property, but the zoo said they were not on site Friday.

• Cherry Brook Zoo pitches ecotourism in new strategic plan
• Saint John and Calgary zoos to trade tigers
• Cherry Brook Zoo appeals for funding amid cash crunch

The zoo has struggled for funding in recent years, facing cash crunches in each of the last three years.

In October 2015, the zoo pitched a new strategic plan that included expanding the zoo's population and building safari cabins to appeal to the eco-tourism market.

In June, the zoo announced it would be trading tigers as part of an international breeding program.