The Sacramento Zoo is on a mission to expand its footprint, aiming to add about 5.8 acres to its existing 14-acre site in Land Park. Zoo CEO Dan Simon has emphasized the necessity for extra space, presenting plans that would utilize two specific areas: the 4-acre Pony Ride plot near Funderland Amusement Park and a nearly 1.5-acre lot on the zoo’s northern edge. This expansion could ultimately increase the zoo’s size to a lush 20.1 acres, marking a 40% growth.
Simon mentioned that as time marches on, the need for more exhibits and habitats is ever-increasing. The larger area is proposed primarily for educational purposes, while the smaller area would accommodate additional animal exhibits. The city council will be voting soon on whether to establish a framework for this ambitious endeavor.
If approved, this could be the zoo’s largest upgrade since the 1960s, a time when stuffy, outdated enclosures were all the rage. After all, it’s tough to provide top-notch care for the animals when space is a constant battle. The sight of happy, thriving creatures in new and improved habitats could be the silver lining of this expansion!
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Andrew Johnson
Andrew Johnson is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.
