Our Lake Superior Zoo
Disclosure- I serve on the Board of Directors for the Lake Superior Zoo. It was a choice I made because I believe that the Zoo is a really great amenity for our community, I want to see it succeed, and I am willing to put the work in to see it succeed beyond a vote here and there on the council. It is also worth noting that the Zoo is not only an amenity for Duluth, but Superior, Hermantown, Proctor, Cloquet, and the Iron Range. It is the only Zoo in Northeastern Minnesota and Northwestern Wisconsin!
The Zoo has a long history in our community it has a really interesting history, and has changed a lot over the years. (follow the hyper link to read an in-depth history of the zoo- it actually really is interesting). And continues to be a draw for families in the Twin Ports. I won’t rehash the events of June 2012, but I will remind folks that we have not made the investments into the Zoo that we have been talking about since the flood. The bonding dollars for new exhibits haven’t materialized yet. Turn over in leadership (that is outside of anyone's control) has occurred, delaying a capital campaign (how do you ask for someone to make an investment into an organization without a leader?). Have made things difficult at the zoo, but not insurmountable.
Which brings us to the Duluth City Council meeting on 10/9/17. There was a vote (which I abstained from) to float the Zoo $200,000 (of tourism money, not road money). While the measure passed 6–2 those voting in favor were tepid at best- one councilor even went so far as to call the Zoo “pathetic”. I don’t know what happened between March 14th of 2016 when the council got to vote on the future Zoo plan and today, but it is an uncomfortable change. Maybe people need to be reminded of what the future of the Zoo looks like, and remember that the $15 million dollar investment would dramatically change the Zoo.
The Plan
A lot of planning went into the Zoo concept. There was significant input from the community, and then some more. There was/is also a lot of community support for this plan. What the vision for the Zoo does is reduce the footprint of the by nearly half (reducing from 19 acres to 10 acres). A revitalized, more compact 10-acre zoo for $15.7 million
- A signature park for the St. Louis River Corridor that will include picnic facilities, native landscaping, restored stream banks, open lawns and a destination playground.
- New and improved wheelchair accessible paths and trail connections
- New and improved animal exhibits for similar animal collection
- Innovative new Forest Discovery Zone area mixing play, education, and up-close animal experiences in a forest environment
- New zoo amphitheater to host interactive educational programs with live animals
- Renewed main building mixing play, education, and animal experiences
- Re-purposing the flood-damaged Polar Shores exhibit as a new signature bear exhibit
There is a lot going on in this plan, first the Zoo itself is becoming increasingly focused on the level of educational opportunities for visitors, while having a more diverse array of exhibits. And with the reduction of the Zoo footprint the park and trail access across the creek will be a signature park.
I do think the Zoo is a great amenity for our region. When I was door knocking back in 2015, I was surprised how big of an issue the Zoo was, families from Fond Du Lac to Lake Side use the Zoo and want to see it remain, and receive the investments made into the Zoo that has been discussed. If you have any ideas or want to help out with the Zoo in any capacity lets get in touch my contact is below. And if you’re free either this Friday or Saturday head on over to the Zoo. Today is #InternationalSlothDay between 1 and 3 come meet Georgie our 20 year old sloth and learn all about sloths and take a selfie with her. And Saturday is the last day of Boo at the Zoo!
Feel free to reach out to me in regards to any of these matters, or any other matter that you see fit. You can connect with me the following ways;
My email is nhobbs@duluthmn.gov
Twitter handle @hobbs_duluth
Facebook Page: Noah Hobbs- Duluth City Councilor At-Large
Phone Number #218–730–5351
