Letter: Tucson's SCI International Wildlife Museum closes

Without warning, the International Wildlife Museum (IWM) located at Gates Pass in Tucson, AZ, ceased operation on Dec. 31, 2023. Despite efforts to discover more, no explanation was given by Safari Club International Foundation, owner/managing organization, except relocation of "Membership Operations" to Texas. However, that "title" would include everyone employed, since IWM was headquarters for SCI, an international membership organization. How many locals lost their jobs in this sudden closure? How many can or will move to Texas? For 30+ years, IWM operated here as an educational attraction, employed hundreds of Tucsons in many capacities, generated revenue/taxes. I was an early one, going back to the 1990s; and in 1996, I retired from my position in the publications department that produced SAFARI Magazine, circulated worldwide to members. This story surfaced Jan. 11/24 on KOLD 13 TV yet efforts by Ch. 13 journalists for further information proved unsuccessful.