As the new Amur Leopard Forest exhibit nears completion, staff are moving forward to the next animal and guest enhancement that we hope to start building later this summer. During the design process its been referred to as the African Plains Building but once developed, I’m sure an official name will be determined. But regardless of what it’s called it will be one of our first steps toward the future.

For over 20 years, the zoo has discussed the need to create an indoor viewing yard for the giraffes to allow guests to view them during the winter months and provide them with more exercise during that same time. As everyone knows, priorities are constantly changing, and this project kept being pushed to a backburner due to unforeseen circumstances or more urgent needs.

It was unforeseen circumstances that played in their favor this time as the flood mitigation project running through the zoo moved faster than originally planned. Zoo staff began making plans for how they would manage the animals during the construction. The most difficult situation was the giraffes and the construction impact to their enclosure. The zoo narrowed it down to two options. Because locking them in their barn for the duration of the multi-year project was not an option, we could either construct the new building immediately to provide the giraffes the indoor space to roam during the construction process or relocate the giraffes and try to bring them back after the project was completed.

It seemed like a simple choice except for the continued rising cost of construction and the limited time available to raise the money, get construction documents completed, and to get a contractor that was ready to hit the ground running. With help from an anonymous donor, the first hurdle was unexpectedly accomplished, and the zoo is currently working with architects to address the second.

The initial building design was to only address the issues surrounding the giraffe herd. But as it progressed, staff brought up the need for other animals to have greater space during the winter months, so the building was expanded to incorporate other hoof stock species like zebras. Then came the bird staff who requested space for the ground hornbills, so the building was expanded again to accommodate an African aviary. With an expanded building came an expanded cost and without the generosity of our anonymous benefactor, none of them would have enjoyed the new space.

This project is only the first step toward the future of the zoo and as we move forward it is the support from the community at each step that will make each possible.

The Roosevelt Park Zoo is a gem for the community but is mostly utilized for six months each year. Each step moving is designed to create a venue that can serve the community’s needs year-round. It won’t be easy, and it won’t happen overnight, but by being patient and taking it one step at a time, the plans for the future are realizable.