The zoo has fully funded ($22 million) what is essentially a new elephant complex on this site. The new barn will be 15,000 sq ft, with acres of new outdoor habitats.
@nczoofan That is interesting. Does anyone have a link to any blueprints or concept drawings of the new complex by chance, I always like looking over them.
@DelacoursLangur I have searched for them but I found no plans. I am not even sure if the zoo has gone through the design phase yet. I found one reference to 20-30 acres of yards but could find no confirmation of that. The zoo does have a significant undeveloped area across the train tracks though, that could provide the space.
@nczoofan How in the heck did they secure funding for a project they havnt even had preliminary designs done on... A 30 acre breeding preserve would probably be the best elephant complex in the country, however I am highly skeptical. According to the only image I could find when searching "tulsa zoo masterplan" the new elephant complex doesnt look all that larger than the current one. Obviously these masterplans are usually pretty far off from the final projects, but still it makes no mention of a massive complex for elephants.
@DelacoursLangur Its largely bond funded, so the bond brings in a certain amount each year for the zoo. The small reminder was private donations but elephants are popular so improving their habitat is an easier sell than many other projects. That image was simply a concept. The initial plan fo the elephants was more of a renovation with an extra yard added. The new plan includes a massive barn, and acres of yards. I doubt it’ll be 30 acres but the zoo mentions off exhibit yards so they could have several acres of exhibit yards and then additional space off display. Like at the Cheyenne Mountain Zoo.
@nczoofan Interesting info, bond based funding makes much more sense. Sounds like an exciting project, hopefully we will hear more soon. Good to hear they seem to have such substantial backing now, much of the facilities are quite outdated.
