Christchurch's Orana Wildlife Trust has decided to forego the running of the Natureland Zoo in Nelson.
The trust took over the operation in 2008 on behalf of the Nelson City Council.
Trust chief executive Lynn Anderson says the earthquakes and three significant snowstorms have impacted on the business so significantly it is prudent for it to focus on its Christchurch operation only.
Ms Anderson says the trust no longer has the resources and time to operate Natureland or implement the redevelopment plan it set out to achieve.
Orana Wildlife Trust is proposing the council put the contract to run Natureland out to tender.