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Greenville Zoo expansion/master plan implementation


gman430

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Three plans are on the table for changing the Greenville Zoo. Tuesday evening, (3-6-12) the second of three public meetings will take place to discuss those plans. The meeting will take place at 6 p.m. at the Hughes Main Library on Heritage Green Place in Greenville. Some of the options include zip lines, indoor rainforest, tiger exhibit, aquarium, aviary, climbing wall, penguin exhibit, etc.

Plan 1: http://www.greenvill...rms/Option1.pdf

Plan 2: http://www.greenvill...rms/Option2.pdf

Plan 3: http://www.greenvill...rms/Option3.pdf

News article: http://www2.wspa.com...lan-ar-3361695/

Edited by citylife
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Update:

The City of Greenville Parks and Recreation Department is requesting funding from the Land & Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) through the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (SCPRT) to initiate Phase 1 of the Greenville Zoo Master Plan. The Greenville Zoo Master Plan, developed in 2012, is designed to direct the Zoo’s growth and development over the next twenty years. Phase 1 of the Master Plan involves the development of a new entrance complex with an expected completion of three to five years and an estimated cost of $3.5 million.

The Greeville Zoo is located within the city limits of Greenville, South Carolina and is owned by the City of Greenville. The City of Greenville will complete Phase 1 of the Greenville Zoo Master Plan in several different stages. The first stage, which is the subject of this proposal, represents a $436,000 project. This stage involves site preparation for construction and will include the demolition of the conservation station. Phase 1 of the Master Plan will disturb approximately 0.5 acres of land. The project site currently consists primarily of asphalt and groundcover with approximately fifteen trees in the vicinity. Every effort will be made to preserve these trees and incorporate them into the nature-theme of the entrance complex; however, removal of several of the trees may be required. Any required stormwater control devices associated with this project will conform to local laws and regulations. The majority of the construction will occur in previously developed areas that are currently occupied by existing asphalt walkways and structures. Approximately 3,500 square feet of impermeable surface will be added to the area upon completion of Phase 1 of the Master Plan. No new parking spaces will be created in conjunction with the Phase 1 activities. The project will result in an approximately ten foot change in grade, and approximately 100 feet of sloped soil will be removed and replaced with a decorative retaining wall. No new utility installation will be required for this project since all of the required utility connections are currently located on site. For safety and security, energy efficientlighting will be used around the outside and inside of all proposed facilities.

The construction associated with this project is expected to commence in January of 2013 and be completed in December of 2013. Funding obtained from the LWCF will be used for site preparation purposes. Once site preparation and demolition work are complete, construction of the Zoo entrance complex will begin. The proposed entrance complex will incorporate sustainable materials, nature-themed furniture, public restrooms, a water feature, planters, kiosks, outdoor display areas for animals, a gift shop, a café, meeting rooms, and staff offices. All construction for this project will occur in the existing Greenville Zoo footprint and will create a public venue prior to entry into the Zoo.

LWCF resources will also work to leverage $218,000 in City funds as well as funds raised by the Friends of the Zoo for the conceptual design and other construction elements proposed in the Greenville Zoo Master Plan.

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They could always wait for that.

I wonder if they could expand down to the stream in front of it. The playground there is nice, but the equipment could be moved.

That area is prone to flooding though, which could open up another can of worms. Expansion would be cool, sure, but I think the zoo has it's 'charm' at it's current size.

Speaking of the zoo, the giraffe should be giving birth any day now.

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Ladybird, one of two elderly African elephants at the Greenville Zoo, has died. According to news reports, zoo officials have announced that they will transfer the remaining elephant to another facility and eliminate the elephant exhibit altogether. Current zoo standards and regulations disallow having only one elephant, and Greenville Zoo officials apparently have no interest in acquiring a second animal to replace Ladybird.

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Ladybird, one of two elderly African elephants at the Greenville Zoo, has died. According to news reports, zoo officials have announced that they will transfer the remaining elephant to another facility and eliminate the elephant exhibit altogether. Current zoo standards and regulations disallow having only one elephant, and Greenville Zoo officials apparently have no interest in acquiring a second animal to replace Ladybird.

The current exhibit, as determined by regulations, is too small for elephants. To expand the elephant exhibit to meet current regulations would be both expensive and consume too many other exhibits. So the Zoo will no longer have elephants. 

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The current exhibit, as determined by regulations, is too small for elephants. To expand the elephant exhibit to meet current regulations would be both expensive and consume too many other exhibits. So the Zoo will no longer have elephants. 

Thank you for explaining the situation. While it will be unfortunate to have a zoo with no elephants, it does help to understand the constraints imposed by limited space and stringent regulations.

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What I don't get is how this site is too small for elephants but the little train cars and tents they use in the circus aren't. Makes no sense to me.

All regulations on Zoos are placed by the AZA (Association of Zoos and Aquariums). Its the organization that ultimately coordinates animal loans and breeding programs. Circus's are private entities and states have no regulation on Circus's. They can do whatever they want, to an extent.  

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The plan proposes a new lion enclosure and a new two-story rainforest exhibit, an expanded Asian exhibit, new bird aviaries, expanded orangutan and leopard exhibits, new restrooms, a new gift shop and new dining options.

Another big acquisition for phase one of the master plan is a large tiger exhibit, said Amanda Osborne, executive director of Friends of the Greenville Zoo. “It will be located on a few acres where there isn’t anything now, and it will be spectacular.”

In April, Greenville City Council adopted a resolution to provide up to $3 million from tourism-related funds over five years (2014-2019) towards the phase one improvements. Council also gave the green light to begin fundraising to raise the $9-$12 million that the zoo will need.

More info: Greenville Journal

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