MANHATTAN – Sunset Zoo is excited to announce Expedition Asia, a project to build habitats for tigers, sloth bears, and Amur leopards, and complete an ADA accessible walking path., according to a media release from the zoon.
This multi-year fundraising project will be the most extensive expansion in the zoo’s history.
"I know the hills and valleys and mountains you've had to climb for this," said Mayor Usha Reddi, "It shows dedication and commitment from our Manhattan residents, not just the financial commitment to this project, but also the expectation you have for our zoo. That is what makes Manhattan special."
Sunset Zoo has received unanimous approval from the Manhattan City Commission to begin the nearly $4.3 million construction endeavor. The project’s funding campaign raised over $2.2 million from the Sunset Zoological Park and Wildlife Conservation Fund. An additional $2 million came from the 2006 City of Manhattan Quality of Life sales tax fund from the City of Manhattan. Additional contributions may be made by donating to Exhibition Asia's Wall of the Wild at www.sunsetzoo.com.
“We worked hard to bring this to fruition and are very excited,” said Bev Fulton, Sunset Zoo Trust President. "Sunset Zoo is one of the City’s main attractions, and there is no exhibit quite like this anywhere. This will do wonderful things for our community, and we need that right now.”
The team of KBS Constructors Inc. will manage construction and estimate that work will begin within the next 30 days. "We estimate the project will remain on an 11-month timeline and be complete in the fall of 2021. It will take the animals some time to acclimate before opening fully to the public," according to Sunset Zoo Director, Scott Shoemaker.