The head of the Calgary Zoo's board says the organization will miss president Alex Graham, who resigned suddenly late Thursday.

Ted Vogel, chair of the zoo's board of directors, said he is sorry to say goodbye to Graham, who had been head of the the zoo since 1999.

"He's proven to be an extremely effective fundraiser. We have seen wonderful projects like Destination Africa, which raised $25-plus million, and his work has led to a much improved organization, a much bigger organization."

Zoos are part conservation and part entertainment, he said, and he believes Graham was able to enhance both those areas of operation.

The search for Graham's replacement will begin soon, Vogel said, and he hopes to have someone in place by summer.

More focused on profit: Zoo Check

Zoo Check Canada has spearheaded efforts to stop expansion plans at the Calgary Zoo.

Spokeswoman Julie Woodyer said in her opinion, the zoo was headed in the wrong direction under Graham's stewardship.

"It became the kind of facility that became more focused on profit and getting people in the door than concerning themselves about animal welfare issues."

Woodyer said she hopes Graham's departure signals an end to plans for a $120 million Arctic Shores exhibit, which would house polar bears and beluga whales.

"I don't think the money is actually in place to do it. So I think they could refocus that money on some other areas that would make improvements for animals that are already at the zoo without bringing in more animals that will inevitably suffer."

Vogel said the zoo intends to follow through with the Arctic Shores exhibit.