SACRAMENTO, Calif. — New images and designs featuring the future Elk Grove Zoo were released ahead of the Elk Grove City Council's upcoming vote to determine whether the project moves forward to construction.
Sacramento Zoo Executive Director Jason Jacobs said the focus of the new zoo is conservation, education and recreation — with more space for the animals.
"It's not just about having the right business model to support your mission, it's about taking care of these animals," he said. "The first phase of the new zoo would relocate these giraffes into a habitat that's over 10 times the size of this yard they have now."
Elk Grove was identified as a potential site for the new zoo in 2021 after the Zoological Society approached city officials, Elk Grove Strategic Planning and Innovation Director Christopher Jordan said.
The Sacramento Zoo's facilities don't meet current Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) guidelines.
New recently released images showing the future Elk Grove Zoo design
Renderings of the future zoo released Monday show an indoor eating area, outdoor seating areas for eating and recreational activity and more.
Elk Grove city officials will decide on final approval for the zoo's initial construction phase at Wednesday's council meeting. City finance officials said the first phase of the zoo's development is estimated to be $302 million.
