“The Wilds of Africa exhibit will double the Zoo’s size and expand its animal collection.” says Mr. Iliff. “More importantly, it represents a dramatic thrust forward in the quality of care and exhibition of exotic/wild animals, and a quantum leap toward the Zoo’s goal of becoming the best zoo in the world.”
During the next ten years, the Dallas Zoo plans to complete Phases II, III and IV of the Wilds of Africa and renovate the existing zoo, now known as “ZooNorth.”
When it’s complete, the Wilds of Africa will encompass 55 acres, more than doubling the size of the existing Zoo from 45 to 100 acres. Approximately 400 animals representing 100 different species will be on display.
Plans for Phase II of the Wilds of Africa include a new education/administration complex and lane acquisition for a future savanna exhibit and additional parking facilities. Also in Phase II, the Dallas Zoological Society plans to raise several million dollars for a new chimpanzee habitat. (Most of the funds for Phase II were approved in a bond issue for $12 million that passed in 1985.)
Phases III and IV, which will include the renovation of ZooNorth, will rely on public/private support to:
add the savanna and waterhole exhibit to the Wilds of Africa with lions, elephants, giraffes, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, baboons, small cats, and more
renovate Bird Valley, the great ape and primate facility, the flamingo pool, and Cat Row, which are the oldest facilities in ZooNorth
build a new hospital, commissary, buildings and grounds facilities, and the expanded parking sites
replace the remaining major facilities in ZooNorth – the Large Mammal House, the Bird and Reptile Building, and the antelope buildings
develop a Texas plant and animal exhibit, and establish breeding and research facilities
With the completion of these lofty plans, Dallas will move into the 21st century with a Zoo boasting an annual attendance of several million visitors, a Zoo that will provide Dallas with a resource to attract both conventions and corporate relocations, a Zoo that will be a premier educational facility. In short, a Zoo that is the best!
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