Reid Park Zoo Reid Park Zoo News 2017

Arizona Docent said:
Prop 202 Zoo Tax Charter Authorization: 52% yes, 48% no
Prop 203 Zoo Tax: 50% yes, 50% no

However, the physical count shows the 50/50 split is not exact with slightly more no votes (36,216 no versus 35,866 yes).

Since both propositions must be passed for it to take effect, I am fearful it was very narrowly defeated. Since the two propositions went hand-in-hand, I want to know why a small percentage of voters said yes on one and no on the other. (For that matter I wonder why it was split into two propositions, but I am sure there is a technical legal reason why).
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Interestingly enough, the Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, has had several "bond issues" over the years that have passed with approximately 65% of the public vote on each occasion. What is the difference between Tacoma residents supporting their local zoological park and the Tucson, Arizona, residents not supporting their local zoo? Do folks in Tucson not see the excellent Reid Park Zoo as deserving of new exhibits?
 
Another article on the tax proposal.
Uncertain future for Reid Park Zoo after Tuesday election

In happier news, here is a clip on the red panda, which goes on exhibit this weekend and throughout the winter. The footage is shot inside the exhibit so it is hard to tell where in the zoo it is, but I think it is the king vulture aviary which is a closed off section of the larger walk-through aviary in South America. (If so, the zoo is clearly not concerned with geographic continuity).
Zoo 4 You: Preparing for the red panda
 
It would be interesting to know the underlying reasons and issues why a Tucson electorate would vote in favour of vote 1 and deny vote 2 by a small margin.

It is such a contradiction that it is more than a tad mind boggling to put it diplomatically ...!
 
The propositions passed and Reid Park Zoo is going to undergo a transformation with new animals and exhibits. Yes!!!! Director Jason Jacobs has already been featured in a video talking about a new tiger habitat, a playground and even a building that can possibly house small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. Another American zoo has greatly benefited from individuals willing to support their cultural attractions.
 
snowleopard said:
The propositions passed and Reid Park Zoo is going to undergo a transformation with new animals and exhibits. Yes!!!! Director Jason Jacobs has already been featured in a video talking about a new tiger habitat, a playground and even a building that can possibly house small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. Another American zoo has greatly benefited from individuals willing to support their cultural attractions.
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Huzza! This is bloody fantastic! I must admit to having my doubts that the tax would pass. I sense a bright future for what's already Arizona's (arguably) best zoo.

On another note; Red pandas will make their debut this weekend

Red pandas to make debut at Reid Park Zoo
 
Here is a local news clip on the red panda. Viewing it confirms my suspicion it is in the king vulture aviary in South America.
 
snowleopard said:
The propositions passed and Reid Park Zoo is going to undergo a transformation with new animals and exhibits. Yes!!!! Director Jason Jacobs has already been featured in a video talking about a new tiger habitat, a playground and even a building that can possibly house small mammals, reptiles, amphibians, invertebrates and fish. Another American zoo has greatly benefited from individuals willing to support their cultural attractions.
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That is good to hear! I didn't even realize there was a problem with this as I live up in the Phoenix area and we don't get much news about Reid Park. Well, we don't get ANY. I'm not sure we even had news about the arrival of the 5 elephants from San Diego, but I do believe we were told about the 2 grizzlies, but that was because they were wild-born.
 
A few updates from my visit November 15, 2017.

Red panda is the big news (one there now and another on the way). It is in the king vulture aviary in South America (which has been renamed the Tropics Trail). Signs on the exhibit ask visitors to be quiet. There will eventually be viewing from both inside the walk-thru aviary and outside, but currently the walk-thru is locked so viewing is from the outside. Huge crowds turned out over the weekend and when a guest in the gift shop today asked if they had any stuffed red pandas the worker said they sold out on Saturday.

The one remaining lar gibbon has moved from its new exhibit to its old exhibit following the death of its two companions. The new exhibit is currently empty but the new zoo map shows it with ruffed lemurs. Today the ruffed lemurs were in their old exhibit and the ring tailed lemurs were off exhibit (the new map shows ring tails here). I presume they will be moved shortly.

The former warty pig exhibit (next to the empty new exhibit mentioned above) now houses crowned cranes.

A new American alligator exhibit is almost complete across from the tiger and unoccupied gibbon (in the former sarus crane exhibit). The gift shop has a display rack devoted to alligator souvenirs and a large sign saying "coming soon to Tucson."

The capybaras have moved to the former guanaco and llama yard. The signs for guanaco and llama have been removed so I have no idea if they are still at the zoo or not.

The perches on macaw island as well as the signs have been removed and there are no macaws on exhibit.

The dwarf caiman are gone (not sure if they died or were transferred) and the exhibit is left with pacu and yellow spotted turtles.
 
Since there has now been a press release, I can post some information on ZooChat that I was made aware of earlier. Reid Park Zoo Director Jason Jacobs has resigned from his position in order to become the Director of the Sacramento Zoo in California. Jason was chosen from a field of 38 candidates and 5 finalists, and he has family members in nearby Walnut Creek. That means he will now be an hour away from close family rather than an entire state away in the desert of Arizona. Congratulations Jason! :)

Sacramento Zoo names new director as it continues $75 million transformation
 
snowleopard said:
Since there has now been a press release, I can post some information on ZooChat that I was made aware of earlier. Reid Park Zoo Director Jason Jacobs has resigned from his position in order to become the Director of the Sacramento Zoo in California. Jason was chosen from a field of 38 candidates and 5 finalists, and he has family members in nearby Walnut Creek. That means he will now be an hour away from close family rather than an entire state away in the desert of Arizona. Congratulations Jason! :)

Sacramento Zoo names new director as it continues $75 million transformation
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Congrats to the esteemed Park Director.

I do hope though he has thought of and assists in finding a suitable replacement at Reid Park Zoo just as they succeeded in getting the funding gap bridged locally for their Masterplan.
 
Kifaru Bwana said:
Congrats to the esteemed Park Director.

I do hope though he has thought of and assists in finding a suitable replacement at Reid Park Zoo just as they succeeded in getting the funding gap bridged locally for their Masterplan.
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With any medium or large nonprofit zoo (including Reid Park), there is a committee that interviews qualified applicants to chose a new director. I do not think an outgoing director has any say in the matter, nor should they necessarily IMO.
 
The new animal care center (eg animal hospital) has just been completed. A new American alligator exhibit is nearing completion across from tigers (former sarus crane exhibit).
 
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