WILD OPEN SPACES

The Erie Zoo has been an integral part of the community since its founding in 1924, becoming one of the region's most treasured destinations. As technology and other distractions increasingly keep people from experiencing nature, the 15-acre Zoo has become an even more important means to rekindle a love and respect for wildlife and inspire partnership in protecting our natural world.

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The time is now to open the next chapter of your Erie Zoo's history.

For the first time in 25 years, the Erie Zoo is embarking on a campaign to take its Wild Open Spaces to the next level. Our goal is to raise $10 million through the generosity of individuals, businesses, corporations, foundations, and community organizations who want to be part of writing the next chapter of the Zoo's history. With your help, we can join the transformational progress of our city and create more Wild Open Spaces for our Zoo.

What's the Plan?

The proposed Master Plan to the park will offer more WILD OPEN SPACES for our animals and help us better meet the needs of the animals and plants in our care – creating a unique environment that will be enjoyed for generations to come.

• The main entrance to the Zoo will be redesigned, complete with new parking areas, a welcome plaza, expanded gift shop, and renovated train station.
• For the first time in 50 years, the footprint of the Zoo will be expanding, making room for a state-of-the-art giraffe building and yard.
  
  
  
  
• A new outdoor classroom will provide an ideal location for programs to be held in the very place participants come to the Zoo to explore – the great outdoors.
• A new bear exhibit will house an endangered species of bear, which will allow for the possibility of a pair to breed in the future.

• Additional exhibits including an indoor concession area offering views into adjacent exhibits will be created in the heart of the Zoo, quite literally bringing new life to the oldest and most outdated areas of the park.
• New species added to the Erie Zoo family will be selected based on their needs for protection and opportunities for breeding. And each new exhibit will be constructed to allow for animal training exercises and educational demonstrations.

Join us today in helping us create more WILD OPEN SPACES and a brighter future for environmental conservation!

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