Title:
Title
Sacramento Zoo - Potential Expansion and Relocation
End
FileID
File ID: 2019-00803
Location
Location: 3930 West Land Park Drive, District 4
Recommendation:
Recommendation
Provide direction to the City Manager on the future vision for the Sacramento Zoo.
Contact: Fran Halbakken, Project Executive, (916) 808-7194, Office of the City Manager
Body
Presenter: Fran Halbakken, Elizabeth Stallard (Zoo Board Chair), Jason Jacobs (Zoo Director) and Rick Biddle (Schultz & Williams Consultant)
Attachments:
1-Description/Analysis
Description/Analysis
Issue Detail: In 1927, the Sacramento Zoo initially opened on a 4-acre site and expanded to its current 14.8 acres in 1968. The zoo was first accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in 1975. Since that time, the AZA's standards have shifted to require larger exhibit areas with an emphasis on public education and animal enrichment. Due to this pressure from increasing AZA standards for animal care, the zoo can no longer exhibit many larger animals that were once housed in Sacramento. To maintain accreditation, the zoo needs to address exhibit requirements and animal management guidelines. The zoo will be required to change its core focus and the species it exhibits if the location remains within the current Land Park site. It is doubtful that this shifted focus will be economically viable. An option is to consider a larger location for relocation with opportunities to expand in the future.
Policy Considerations: The City's General Plan 2035 includes a policy, ERC 5.1.1 Development and Expansion of Attractions - The City shall support the development and expansion of destination attractions throughout Sacramento including museums, zoos, historic sites, and the Sacramento River and American River waterfronts.
Economic Impacts: A renovated or expanded zoo can be a significant attraction for both residents and tourists with resultant direct and sustainable economic benefits t...
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