Woodland Park Zoo receives large grant for new exhibits

The Woodland Park Zoo has just received a large grant to create two new exhibits. The Charles and Lisa Simonyi Fund for Arts and Sciences has given $1 million to create a naturalistic tiger and Asian bear exhibit.

Sketch of new tiger exhibit

In a statement from the zoo, Lisa Simonyi said the new exhibits are an effort to advance science education for the community. “We’re honored to be a part of the zoo’s commitment to create a better, more naturalistic home for tigers and Asian bears, and we’re inspired by the dynamic science education hub that the exhibit complex will become for the zoo’s 1 million annual visitors, motivating the next generation of conservation scientists and stewards.”

The Asian bear and tiger exhibit are part of a $21 million Asian Tropical Forest initiative, and the new exhibits will replace the 60 year-old exhibit the Asian bears currently live in. The Asian Tropical Forest initiative is part of the Campaign for More Wonder More Wild, a larger campaign comprised of seven other fundraising efforts to improve, “animal care, conservation, education and zoo visitor experience.”

The Woodland Park Zoo president and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen says the plans for the new exhibit are making quick progress. “The generosity of the Simonyi Fund gives us the momentum to complete the exhibit planning stage, and will help kick start the next stage by raising additional funds in the community through the challenge.”