LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) - An already sizable expansion project at the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is growing even bigger after donations exceeded the original fundraising goal.
The zoo has received several seven-figure donations, taking the zoo’s expansion budget up to $22 million. The original fundraising target was $16 million to $18 million.
“The zoo is in awe and truly humbled by the generosity it’s experienced,” said zoo President and CEO John Chapo. “It’s unprecedented.”
The zoo is continuing to fundraise and is now looking to raise $24 million.
The zoo announced plans last year for a 10-acre expansion project. Original plans called for a new education building, increased space for marquee red pandas, and additional space for giraffes, tigers and spider monkeys.
The extra funding will allow the zoo to add a cheetah habitat, a giant anteater exhibit, a playground, a cafe and an event lawn with a stage. The money will also allow the zoo to remain open year-round for the first time since opening in 1995.
Officials have designed the zoo’s expansion with the goal of keeping the experience hands-on and allowing visitors to see the animals up close, Chapo said.
“We didn’t scrimp on animal care or zoo guest experience,” he said. “We want things close and convenient so it’s accessible for all ages and all abilities.”
The current expansion plans will utilize all of the zoo’s remaining space, so officials plan to focus on improving habitats once the project is complete.
“This will build out all of the expansion space,” Chapo said. “The next plans will be to keep improving and bringing out more experiences at the original zoo.”
The first phase of the expansion will open in May.
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