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A new $9 million capital grant from the state of New York will go towards 17 new projects for the zoo.
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/arti...rove-safety-animal-welfare-visitor-experience
"Empire State Development Press Release & Photo
Empire State Development today announced a $9 million capital grant has been awarded to the Buffalo Zoo from the Regional Economic and Community Assistance Program (RECAP) to support 17 different projects aimed at improving safety, animal welfare and the visitor experience at one of the region’s most popular attractions.
“As the most visited tourist attraction in Erie County, the Buffalo Zoo is a major asset in our efforts to bring more visitors to Buffalo,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, who toured the zoo projects. “We are pleased to be able to upgrade the zoo by completing more than a dozen projects that will improve the experience for both visitors and the zoo’s collection of extraordinary creatures.”
"We are thrilled to receive this substantial grant from Empire State Development," said Lisa Smith, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. "As the third-oldest zoo in the nation, entering its 150th anniversary, the Buffalo Zoo has a rich history and plays a vital role in our community. This funding will help us preserve our historic structures while modernizing our facilities to meet the highest standards of animal care and visitor experience. We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Hochul and Empire State Development for recognizing the importance of our mission and for their generous support."
Many of the projects being undertaken are required for the Buffalo Zoo to meet the current zoological standards adopted by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo’s professional accrediting body. The list of the projects includes various improvements/renovations to both public and animal spaces for safety and animal welfare, including:
CO detection and alert devices
Shade structures and shade sails for two animal habitats
Animal exhibit repairs for 17 different exhibits
Timber/wall replacements at Heritage Farm Children’s Zoo
Campuswide life support system repairs and replacements window and door repairs/replacement at two animal habitats
Structural improvements to Rainforest Falls building and exhibits
Masonry improvements on multiple buildings
Replace current outdoor children’s play area with new play area
Improvements to the Children’s Resource Center (CRC)
Flooring replacement in public hallway
Electrical/lighting upgrades to throughout campus, including electrical improvements in two buildings, emergency power generators, campuswide one-line electrical drawing
This RECAP project, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her 2024 budget, advances downtown revitalization by providing improvements to a premiere tourist attraction located just a few miles from Buffalo’s central business district. It is a strategic community investment that is environmentally responsible; water, electric and gas management through the systems upgrade will provide greater efficiencies, saving dollars and natural resources.
Over the past decade, investments in new and renovated exhibits, as well as visitor amenities, has helped the zoo grow approximately 400,000 visitors annually, with 40% percent of visitors coming from outside Erie County. The Buffalo Zoo is a leading employer of unskilled youth within the City of Buffalo, who are trained to work in its ticketing, food service and gift shop operations. These jobs, as well as skilled zookeeper positions, have been solidified with the improvement projects, which will enhance the overall safety and comfort for both the visitors and the zoo inhabitants.
New York State Sen. April Baskin said, "From the late 1870s to present day, the Buffalo Zoo has had many incarnations, but one thing remains constant: The Zoo is a regional jewel and a huge asset to the Parkside area, drawing thousands of visitors to North Buffalo. This cultural icon has personal significance to me. As a working mother of two children, having a zoo makes for great family entertainment – and enhances my children's' education – and another way to build fond memories. I am excited to see what blossoms from the state's investment."
Assembly member Bill Conrad said, “The Buffalo Zoo is an enduring tourist attraction and a centerpiece of our regional landscape. Most importantly, though, it is an educational hub and steward for our environment. It doesn't simply shelter and showcase animals; it creates our ties to community, and it fosters appreciation for the wonders of our natural world. Indeed, quality zoos are integral to global conservation efforts and vital to local economies, and they deserve robust public support. I am thrilled to be celebrating the state's latest investment in our Buffalo Zoo, and all the ways it will be used to enhance visitors' time here and enrich the lives of the animals in its care."
City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon said, “The Buffalo Zoo is truly one of our city’s best attractions, and I thank Gov. Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for marking the Zoo’s 150th year celebration by making it even better in the years to come with an allocation of $9 million in state capital funds for more than a dozen Zoo upgrades. With a sharp focus on economic development initiatives, my administration has supported a city allocation of over $5 million over the past five years for renovations at the Zoo, which owns the facilities, including the recent allocation of $900,000 in my historic capital budget, the largest capital investment in the city’s history. These new investments are yet another testament to the commitment, care and compassion of zoo officials and staff, as we work together to bolster tourism in our community while making Buffalo an even better place to live and visit.”"
https://www.wnypapers.com/news/arti...rove-safety-animal-welfare-visitor-experience
"Empire State Development Press Release & Photo
Empire State Development today announced a $9 million capital grant has been awarded to the Buffalo Zoo from the Regional Economic and Community Assistance Program (RECAP) to support 17 different projects aimed at improving safety, animal welfare and the visitor experience at one of the region’s most popular attractions.
“As the most visited tourist attraction in Erie County, the Buffalo Zoo is a major asset in our efforts to bring more visitors to Buffalo,” said Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight, who toured the zoo projects. “We are pleased to be able to upgrade the zoo by completing more than a dozen projects that will improve the experience for both visitors and the zoo’s collection of extraordinary creatures.”
"We are thrilled to receive this substantial grant from Empire State Development," said Lisa Smith, president and CEO of the Buffalo Zoo. "As the third-oldest zoo in the nation, entering its 150th anniversary, the Buffalo Zoo has a rich history and plays a vital role in our community. This funding will help us preserve our historic structures while modernizing our facilities to meet the highest standards of animal care and visitor experience. We are incredibly grateful to Gov. Hochul and Empire State Development for recognizing the importance of our mission and for their generous support."
Many of the projects being undertaken are required for the Buffalo Zoo to meet the current zoological standards adopted by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the zoo’s professional accrediting body. The list of the projects includes various improvements/renovations to both public and animal spaces for safety and animal welfare, including:
CO detection and alert devices
Shade structures and shade sails for two animal habitats
Animal exhibit repairs for 17 different exhibits
Timber/wall replacements at Heritage Farm Children’s Zoo
Campuswide life support system repairs and replacements window and door repairs/replacement at two animal habitats
Structural improvements to Rainforest Falls building and exhibits
Masonry improvements on multiple buildings
Replace current outdoor children’s play area with new play area
Improvements to the Children’s Resource Center (CRC)
Flooring replacement in public hallway
Electrical/lighting upgrades to throughout campus, including electrical improvements in two buildings, emergency power generators, campuswide one-line electrical drawing
This RECAP project, announced by Gov. Kathy Hochul in her 2024 budget, advances downtown revitalization by providing improvements to a premiere tourist attraction located just a few miles from Buffalo’s central business district. It is a strategic community investment that is environmentally responsible; water, electric and gas management through the systems upgrade will provide greater efficiencies, saving dollars and natural resources.
Over the past decade, investments in new and renovated exhibits, as well as visitor amenities, has helped the zoo grow approximately 400,000 visitors annually, with 40% percent of visitors coming from outside Erie County. The Buffalo Zoo is a leading employer of unskilled youth within the City of Buffalo, who are trained to work in its ticketing, food service and gift shop operations. These jobs, as well as skilled zookeeper positions, have been solidified with the improvement projects, which will enhance the overall safety and comfort for both the visitors and the zoo inhabitants.
New York State Sen. April Baskin said, "From the late 1870s to present day, the Buffalo Zoo has had many incarnations, but one thing remains constant: The Zoo is a regional jewel and a huge asset to the Parkside area, drawing thousands of visitors to North Buffalo. This cultural icon has personal significance to me. As a working mother of two children, having a zoo makes for great family entertainment – and enhances my children's' education – and another way to build fond memories. I am excited to see what blossoms from the state's investment."
Assembly member Bill Conrad said, “The Buffalo Zoo is an enduring tourist attraction and a centerpiece of our regional landscape. Most importantly, though, it is an educational hub and steward for our environment. It doesn't simply shelter and showcase animals; it creates our ties to community, and it fosters appreciation for the wonders of our natural world. Indeed, quality zoos are integral to global conservation efforts and vital to local economies, and they deserve robust public support. I am thrilled to be celebrating the state's latest investment in our Buffalo Zoo, and all the ways it will be used to enhance visitors' time here and enrich the lives of the animals in its care."
City of Buffalo Mayor Christopher Scanlon said, “The Buffalo Zoo is truly one of our city’s best attractions, and I thank Gov. Kathy Hochul and Empire State Development for marking the Zoo’s 150th year celebration by making it even better in the years to come with an allocation of $9 million in state capital funds for more than a dozen Zoo upgrades. With a sharp focus on economic development initiatives, my administration has supported a city allocation of over $5 million over the past five years for renovations at the Zoo, which owns the facilities, including the recent allocation of $900,000 in my historic capital budget, the largest capital investment in the city’s history. These new investments are yet another testament to the commitment, care and compassion of zoo officials and staff, as we work together to bolster tourism in our community while making Buffalo an even better place to live and visit.”"
We’ll miss him, but we’re excited for his next chapter. Here’s how you can be part of his journey: The final Rhino Encounters with PJ will take place through August 31. If you've ever wanted to meet him up close, now’s your chance. Book now on our website. Join us for World Rhino Day on September 20 to celebrate PJ with enrichment, keeper chats, and rhino-sized fun before he heads north on September 22. Let’s send him off with love and lots of great memories. PJ’s future is looking wildly bright. Learn more about World Rhino Day thru the link in our bio. . . . #centralfloridazoo #RhinoConservation #SSPProgram #PJTheRhino #WorldRhinoDay"