Aalborg Zoo former leaders repay funds after financial investigation

The former director and former chairman of Aalborg Zoo, Henrik Vesterskov Johansen and Steen Royberg, have repaid over 100,000 DKK to the institution following an external investigation into financial discrepancies.

The investigation revealed that the two former executives had used zoo funds to cover costs for overseas trips that extended beyond their professional purposes. While the board was aware of the trips during the executives' tenure, an audit of receipts discovered that the zoo continued to pay for lodging and other expenses during the unauthorized extensions of these journeys.

The reimbursement agreement allows all parties to avoid a legal trial. The case has raised questions regarding the oversight of self-governing institutions that receive significant public funding, as Aalborg Zoo receives approximately 20 million DKK annually from Aalborg Municipality in addition to state subsidies.