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Minnesota Zoo asks Legislature for $17.7 million for new animal hospital, $3.8M in asset preservation
Summary
The Minnesota Zoo told the Senate Committee on Capital Investment it needs $17,675,000 in state bonding for a new animal hospital and more than $3.8 million for asset preservation, citing an outdated 1975 facility, ventilation and safety problems, and a $30 million total project cost supported by $9 million in private fundraising.
The Minnesota Zoo asked the state Senate Committee on Capital Investment on Feb. 25 for $17,675,000 in bonding to build a new animal hospital and for more than $3.8 million in asset preservation for its aging campus.
The request is part of a roughly $30 million project estimated to replace an animal hospital built in 1975; the zoo said it has raised about $9 million in private funds toward the effort. "I'm John Froley, director of the Minnesota Zoo," Froley told the committee as he introduced the zoo's proposal.
Why it matters: Zoo officials told lawmakers the current hospital lacks modern infrastructure required for veterinary standards and poses risks to both animals and staff. "The current facility lacks the essential infrastructure needed to meet both…
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