Inside ZooTampa's multimillion-dollar expansion
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Rendering: Courtesy of ZooTampa
ZooTampa's expansion may receive a $75 million boost from Hillsborough County's half-cent sales tax — the same pot of money the Rays are hoping to draw from to finance a new ballpark.
Why it matters: The nonprofit zoo is an anchor institution in Hillsborough County and draws more than a million visitors each year, but it can't enhance and expand its facilities without outside investment.
Driving the news: The Hillsborough Board of County Commissioners agreed to enter into negotiations with ZooTampa last week.
- The planned expansion would double ZooTampa's size and modernize its animal care infrastructure. It carries a steep price tag: $125 million, with a request for the county to match dollar-for-dollar up to $75 million.
Between the lines: Commissioner Joshua Wostal (R) — who championed the motion to approve the funding — suggested that the county draw from the $597 million it has already reserved for "community facilities."
- That's the same funding source that will, among other things, go toward repairs and renovations at Raymond James Stadium, Benchmark International Arena and George Steinbrenner Field.
- The Rays are looking for around $400 million from that pot as well, which could be drawn from surplus revenue, funds initially planned for other facilities, or unallocated dollars.
Friction point: Commissioner Ken Hagan (R) said at last week's meeting that ZooTampa's request may be too costly, adding that the county can't "ignore the other institutions, such as the Straz or the Tampa Theatre."
Zoom in: ZooTampa has already invested $60 million toward the expansion via a combination of revenue and fundraising, resulting in a new Florida Waters exhibit that opened last month.
- The exhibit features an immersive "Manatee Rescue" experience, which allows guests to view the sea cows up close.
What's next: In the hopper — depending on funding — is a South America exhibit, which could be built alongside the Hillsborough River and feature species like giant river otters and jaguars.
- ZooTampa also wants to reimagine its Africa exhibit to feature endangered African elephants and white rhinos.
What they're saying: "It's not just about the new areas that we're trying to build," ZooTampa CEO Joseph Couceiro told Axios.
- Other priorities include caring for the facility's endangered animals, he said, and educating guests on "the plight they have to overcome in order to preserve and protect the species."