Community Voices Support For Zoo’s Future

More Public Input on Zoo's Future Options

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Wednesday night was another chance for people to weigh in on what should happen to the Lake Superior Zoo.

The future of animals at the zoo was in question for a couple of weeks. 

But zoo officials are feeling optimistic they can work out the necessary kinks and keep the zoo the place it’s meant to be. 

Over the course of several public hearings, the zoo is starting to find the good in what the city says are necessary changes. 

“Across the options, there are some very good pieces of those that are very good fits with what we do,” said the CEO of the Lake Superior Zoo, Dawn Mackety.

It’s clear the attraction isn’t just a building the community wants to see go to waste.

“We expect to remain a zoo,” said Mackety.

But everyone is being cautious when deciding what the future holds.

The city has presented the community with three options. 

One includes a brown bear exhibit, indoor playground and re purposed polar shores. 

The other is similar, but scaled back a bit. 

The last strips the zoo of what it needs most – the animals.

“It would be a facility to study and understand animals,” said Park and Rec Commission President, Edwin Hill.

With a bachelor’s degree in Biology, zoo advocate Jay Bongey is very passionate about the potential changes and wants to make sure the number of animals stays put. 

In the end, all parties hope to find a middle ground and the city is doing what it can to put them on a financially sturdy track. 

“Some of the programs of the zoo have been going up,” said Hill.

The Duluth City Council will receive an update from Wednesday’s hearing and find out where it can grow in recommendations.

Another public hearing will be set with the council later this summer to talk parameters of the plans and find a middle ground.