Duluth City Council Approves Lake Superior Zoo Plans

The council unanimously approves the zoo's renovation plans.

The Duluth City Council took little time for debate in bringing the fifteen million dollar renovation one paw closer to reality.

Four councilors spoke on the vital role the Lake Superior Zoo plays as a member of the community.

Council approval means the zoo can move forward with final mini-master plans.

Currently the ideas would reduce the footprint of the zoo to ten acres and create a city park connecting with the nearby trail.

The zoo is seeking 1.9 million in funding from the Minnesota Legislature in bonds.

Zoo officials couldn’t feel more wild about this decision.

“It ensures that we are still going to have a quality zoo, by American zoos and aquariums. It pleases me we’re not going to be a little petting zoo in the corner that we were heading towards at one points,” said interim zoo CEO Julene  Boe.

Some changes have already occurred at the zoo as they seek upcoming accreditation this summer.

The polar bear exhibit damaged by the 2012 flood could turn into an exhibit for their brown bear as early as the fall.

Councilors called the entire process difficult but happy it didn’t tear the city apart.

The new plan will also add more indoor play space as the zoo seeks larger attendance numbers in the winter months.