ELK GROVE, Calif. — Elk Grove city officials launched a period of public comment Tuesday regarding the Sacramento Zoo after an environmental impact report revealed new details about it.
According to the report, areas of controversy for nearby residents include:
- Emissions from zoo operations and transportation
- Water quality impacts from development of a vacant site
- Noise impacts from visitors and animals
The current 14-acre Sacramento Zoo in William Land Park is too small to hold all the species housed at the zoo, according to the report, leading to less guest traffic.
Space constraints over the past 30 years caused the zoo to lose many iconic animal species such as tigers and bears — moving to a larger location addresses these constraints.
If approved by the Elk Grove City Council, the new zoo will develop as 65 acres on Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway.
City officials on Tuesday presented a detailed map of the future zoo:
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The environmental impact report estimates a 65-acre zoo can support an annual attendance of between 1.1 and 1.6 million guests. Four primary zones of the zoo include Green Corridor, Africa, California and Australasia.
Elk Grove residents have until Feb. 20 to leave their public comments with city officials overseeing the zoo upgrades.
Residents wanting to make a comment can email cjordan@elkgrovecity.org
Overnight stays
A proposed open lawn area in the northern portion of the zoo near the lion and rhino exhibits would also allow for guests to pitch personal tents for camping.
Overnight guests would be able to attend a nighttime safari down the Green Corridor route.
The zoo site plan shows between seven and 15 hospitality suites would function as a hotel with a constructed facility, beds, bathrooms and other furniture.
Overnight experiences may also be integrated into animal habitats and care areas including lions, giraffes and rhinos.
