Anna Borosnet, zoo manager for the City of Aurora, presented the zoo27s 2025 decision packages on Oct. 30, asking for additional operational and capital funding including a dedicated maintenance service worker, commercial-grade radios and replacement of the zoo27s feed-room kitchen.

Borosnet said the zoo increased its animal feed budget in 2024 to provide higher-quality diets and that the 2025 requests would support visitor experience and animal care. "The replacement units would be commercial grade and provide very consistent clear communication, which, of course, will improve overall safety, especially when working with dangerous animals," Borosnet said of the proposed new radios.

She said the zoo plans to demolish its very old reptile house because the structure requires frequent, costly repairs. Borosnet told the committee that most reptiles could be moved to other enclosures around the zoo following demolition and that larger animals, such as the Burmese python, would be rehoused through cooperation with another area zoo if necessary: "...any that we can't move safely, for example, our very large Burmese python, we would work cooperatively with another zoo in the area to make sure it had safe housing."

Borosnet also proposed upgrading the feed-room kitchen from residential-grade to stainless commercial equipment to meet USDA food-safety and handling best practices. On accreditation, Borosnet said the zoo is not currently in a position to meet the standards of national zoo accreditation because of facility age and infrastructure; she said staff are exploring which accreditation to pursue as improvements proceed.

Aldermen questioned opportunities to obtain donated food from grocery stores; Borosnet said staff accept some suitable donations when they match animal diets. Committee members also discussed philanthropic and sponsorship opportunities and whether accreditation would help with grants and partnerships. Borosnet said obtaining accreditation will be considered as part of the long-term master-plan improvements.

The committee heard that portions of zoo master-plan work are underway and that some work already planned would be phased into 2025. Staff stressed that immediate spending is focused on mission-critical infrastructure and items that will not contradict the master plan when it is finalized.