ST. LOUIS COUNTY – Plans have been unveiled for a proposed St. Louis Zoo expansion in north St. Louis County.
In March, the zoo announced they were buying a 425-acre complex in north county for $7.1 million. The property would sit in the upper corner of north St. Louis County.
Zoo leaders are asking to raise sales taxes by an eighth of one percent to pay for the new expansion. The county council will vote next week to put it on the November ballot.
The chief purpose of the land is to build a Conservation and Animal Science Center that will let them breed endangered animals, like Zebras, Antelope and others.
“Well we really don’t have the space, we only have 90 acres here,” said Cynthia Holter, vice president of external affairs for the St. Louis Zoo.
They also have plans for a Safari Park and space for “Glamping,” aka luxury camping.
“I think the Safari Park and Wilderness Adventure idea has caught everyone’s attention. They’re excited about it, it’s something new,” said Holter.
They also plan to make upgrades on their home turf, Forest Park.
“We have water mains from 1917, we have crumbling infrastructure. We need to make sure that this is in good shape for generations to come,” she said.
GALLERY: St. Louis Zoo expansion plan
