DEVELOPMENT
BECAUSE OF YOU
Great Things are Happening at Your Zoo
Four years ago , the Louisville Zoo Foundation Board approved plans to move forward with a $ 10.4 million leadership campaign established to secure the resources necessary to allow the Zoo to continue its growth and development while simultaneously providing compelling guest experiences and enriching the region . Thanks to the continued dedication and generosity of many in our community , we ’ re pleased to share with you that over $ 11.4 million has been raised to support all projects !
With the funds raised , last year we opened a guest engagement pathway near the Zebra yard which includes a safari vehicle , African drums and a marimba for all to enjoy , as well as a lion sculpture garden near the African Outpost and the new Elephant Encounter , including an expanded outdoor exhibit area with enrichment items like cottonwood trees and clay mounds for residents Mikki and Punch . We also welcomed nine little penguins at Penguin Cove : Little Penguin Conservation Center . Their calls can be heard as you enter the Zoo and throughout the Islands exhibit area . The little penguins have successfully settled in and have spent the last few months nesting in their new habitat .
This fall , we plan to begin site
work and construction of an expanded outdoor dining area at the African Outpost , a new African primate exhibit featuring colobus monkeys , and a new snow leopard exhibit including an early childhood learning play space , and an interpretive plaza to engage guests in activities . All projects will offer visitors nose-to-nose experiences with our animal ambassadors to build lasting memories , advance species conservation and expand education program offerings .
The strong community response to the campaign resulted in 64 percent of total funding being provided by individuals ; another 27 percent by Foundations and Corporations ; and 9 percent by Metro Louisville . Thank you to all who purchased a snow leopard t-shirt , shared messages on social media and made financial contributions to the campaign . You are helping us enrich the lives of the animals in our care for generations to come , continue critical species conservation work , and remain the number one non-profit tourist attraction in the area offering 850,000 + annual guests memories to last a lifetime . All projects are scheduled to open in 2019 when we will celebrate our 50th Anniversary !
Dedication Opportunities Brick Program Returns
Looking for a restful and meditative place to take in the amazing sights and sounds of your Zoo ? The Etscorn Memorial Garden , located across from the giraffe yard , offers guests a peaceful location to rest and enjoy nature . Surrounded by flowering plants and greenery , the garden is the perfect spot to sit and reflect . Make a lasting contribution to the garden and celebrate a friendship , remember a loved one , or commemorate a special event like a wedding , retirement , or birthday with a personalized brick in the meandering pathway . Permanent , sandblasted bricks honor these occasions and enhance the beauty of this serene area .
Two sizes of bricks are available . For more information , please visit LouisvilleZoo . org / support / tributes-memorials or contact us at ( 502 ) 238-5386 .