A Kansas zoo is set to build a new spacious home for giraffes, in a project expected to cost $7.5 million.
Topeka Zoo and Conservation Center is currently finalising the details of the habitat, which includes a barn and three-acre fields for the giraffes to freely roam.
Boost in the park’s visitors
Zoo officials are confident the project will not only boost the giraffe’s quality of life but will also increase awareness of the endangered species and attract more visitors annually. The park welcomed 200,000 visitors in 2019, which is hoped to go up 300,000 by 2021.
The original plan was to revamp the current giraffe enclosure, which is the oldest zone in the 87-year-old park. However, park officials have suggested there was not enough space to safely carry out construction while the giraffes were present.
Money raised by public donations
Funds for the million-dollar project have been raised by donations from the public and a grant from Capitol Federal. As of September, $5 million has been raised.
Speaking at the project’s press conference held at the park, Joe Wiley Zoo Director said: “If all goes well we will get this project out to bid by the end of the year, we would like to break ground February, and we would hope to open within 15 months after we break ground.”
In other news, Rotterdam is experiencing social-distance success at drive-thru art exhibition.
