Como Zoo’s massive cats might quickly see some critical home enhancements, if legislators subsequent 12 months approve the zoo’s $22 million bonding request to revamp their habitat.
Zoo officers offered their proposal final week to a visiting contingent of lawmakers from the House Capital Investment Committee. The challenge would come with new areas for the zoo’s lions, tigers, cougars, snow leopards and wolves, together with glassed-in areas permitting guests to get nose-to-nose views of the animals.
The challenge would restore pedestrian bridges between the lion and tiger areas that want fixing, in response to a recent structural survey. The bridges had been closed in July 2022 for eight months, limiting guests’ access to the cats.
The zoo is also searching for $30 million in state bonding to revamp the Como Lakeside Pavilion and redevelop the encompassing panorama.
Zoo officers informed visiting lawmakers that the funding would supply their massive cats with “world class” housing, a stimulating atmosphere and extra room outdoors the exhibit space, together with veterinarian care and behavioral coaching.
The challenge would additionally handle customer accessibility points with steps and lengthy sloped walkways.
Because the zoo doesn’t cost for admission, state funding is crucial, stated Director Michelle Furrer.
Como Zoo attracts greater than 2 million guests yearly, practically half of whom come from the metro space, Furrer stated. She added that the zoo yearly produces greater than $162 million in native financial impression.
If a long-term answer to the bridge points is not carried out, the zoo could also be compelled to close down the Big Cat Habitat, Furrer stated. Zoo officers herald engineers 4 occasions a 12 months to check the bridges, and the scaffolding at present in place is a “non permanent Band-Aid.”
“These animals are ambassadors of their wild sisters and brothers,” she stated. “We need to keep and be capable of try this for the following a number of generations.”
Visitors proper now can solely look down on the animals, stated zookeeper Jill Erzar. “Imagine the connection you can also make in the event you’re standing eye to eye. … It’s a complete completely different story,” she stated.
The zoo follows breeding suggestions for all of its massive cats, and he or she stated bettering the habitats and welfare of its massive cats will encourage extra cubs: “Can you think about what story we are able to inform when we’ve a satisfaction of lions on the market?”
The $30 million pavilion challenge goals to “improve the general public realm, and create connections between the building, lake and public amenities,” in response to zoo officers. The design would keep the unique character of the building whereas rising public access via upgrades and up to date facilities for the second-most visited regional park.
Seven House members went on the tour for an up-close have a look at what zoo officers say must be executed.
“It’s one factor to have a dialog, however after we’re seeing the crumbling infrastructure, I believe that actually makes a degree,” stated Rep. Fue Lee, DFL-Minneapolis, who chairs the Capital Investment Committee.
Lee stated the tour is the primary a part of the funding course of. The committee will determine subsequent 12 months on funding requests after discussing the various initiatives statewide which have submitted bonding proposals.
The city-operated zoo launched the preliminary design for the challenge in June. Construction is slated to begin in September 2024 and take two years.
