...Zoo Director Lewis Greene used charts and slides to highlight the plans to expand and improve the zoo, and says it's about more than just adding animals.
Greene says, "One of the probably more common misconceptions is that you just simply put all your money into animal exhibits. Quite frankly, if you do that, any zoo would go bankrupt."
To attract more visitors, the zoo plans to add animals gradually, and to build a restaurant, concession areas, and other amenities.
Zoo Board Member Sharon Levy says, "It's just going to be so magnificent. Everyone's going to be very proud of the tax dollars they've put forth for this."
The improvements are being financed by the voter approved tax increase known as Measure Z. The tenth of a cent sales tax will pump $120M into the zoo over the next ten years. The plans presented here are just the first step....
ZOOS ARE ABOUT ANIMALS. Wild animals. All the 'fluff' that seems to be a focus of some zoo improvements seems superfluous to the purpose and definition of the zoo. It has been my experience that people frequenting the zoo have paid handsomely to get in and aren't interested in spending more once inside. The zoos need to provide places for souvenirs, hats, sunscreen, bottled water and waterless hand cleaner. But, to believe that cafes and luncheon areas are going to save the zoo from financial ruin for supporting the animals is an error. I think the planning of the Chafee Zoo has gotten carried away.
If these plans aren't preceded by studies of 'market share' then they are better off putting their 'food vending' areas and events area at the periphery of the zoo and open the opportunity to frequent those areas to the public without having to access the zoo. By doing so that opens more income to the zoo while containing the 'invasion of space occupation' of facilities that have nothing to do with the animals.
When I go to the zoo, I go in anticipation of seeing animals and plenty of them. Different species and an education of each one. I don't anticipate walking miles to go from one animal venue to another. I expect good venues with animals well cared for. I go to the zoo with my own camera and bottled water and snacks to 'afford' the trip. I believe the facilities for the animals are far more important than my creature comforts and I expect them to eat better than I when I come to visit. I think all the renovations that provide for consumerism will eventually consume the zoo as superfulous expenses most zoo goers circumvent for the economy of entertaining and educating children.
Millions of dollar is a lot dollars. Many improvements can be made for the animals to create a happy, healthy environment. It is that and the opporunity to view new members of the zoo either through acquisition or birth that will bring zoo enthusiasts back over and over again. These animals become part of the family for decades when citizens can see them frequently without emptying bank accounts and watch them grow.
Visiting the zoo should not be like a visit to McDonalds where children are rewarded for eating with toys in their meal box. The zoo is an experience, not a tug of war between parents and children. All should be enjoying their experience including the animals.
