Cherry Brook Zoo tries to reassure supporters about how money will be spent

The new executive director of Saint John's embattled Cherry Brook Zoo says the organization has insurance to cover the costs of fighting a lawsuit but needs money from the city to stay alive.

MarthaMcDevitttried to reassure citycouncillorsandothers on Wednesday that money from thecity and donors will not be usedto fight a lawsuit by LeonardCollrin, the zoo's co-founder and former director.

The zoo has applied for a $50,000 grant from the city and expects to learn Monday whether it will be included in the city's 2017 budget.

"Not a dime is going to be going toward legal fees," saidMcDevitt, who was named executive director in November.

"This is all for the animals that are around us. It's all for keeping this place alive."

Concern for taxpayers

But even a long-time supporter has raised concerns.

Deputy Mayor ShirleyMcAlary said she worries about how acity grant for next year might be used.

"This is all taxpayers'money,"McAlarysaid.

"I wouldn't want the money from the city going toward a legal situation."

Cherry Brook Zoo andCollrinparted ways in July, and the zooand several members of the zoo board of directors are now defendants in the wrongful dismissal suit he's filed.

McDevittsaid the zoo is in its "driest and darkest" season, but changes in governance and improvements to facilities will make the operation less dependent on the city.

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The zoo remains open, and on Wednesday a large group of high school student volunteers fromEcoleSamuel-deChamplainwereat work on the property.

Coun. Gary Sullivan, an outspoken supporter of the zoo in past, said he will speak up for the zoo at Monday's council meeting.

Sullivan said the zoo has a reorganized board of directors and new management.

"Everything I have seen has been very positive in what they are doing," he said.

"I think it's a good time to invest and give them a boost and keep going."

Sullivan said the lawsuit should not be allowed to disrupt operations at the zoo.

"At least a few times a year somebody is trying to sue the city and the province has no problem continuing to fund us," he said.

Collrinand his wife,Lynda, founded Cherry Brook Zoo in 1978. In July of this year, the zoo announced theCollrinswere no longer associated with the operation.

Leonard Collrin'slawsuit alleges, among other things, unjust dismissal, lost personal property and defamation of character.

His statement of claim says that he was suspended from his jobJuly 6 and that three police cars arrived that day to evict himLynda, from their home on zoo property.

None of the allegations have been proven in court.