Friends of the Pine Girl Zoo seek to fundraise for replacement snow leopard; council debates prioritizing repairs

Councilmember Greg advised the council that the Friends of the Pine Girl Zoo reported their snow leopard recently died and they would like to raise private funds to replace the animal. Greg said the zoo already has an enclosure and planned 2025 budgeted items including food; the city had put a moratorium on new animals during the 2025 budget cycle.

Several councilmembers questioned whether private fundraising should first address needed repairs, including a new roof on the zebra habitat. One councilmember said donors might be more likely to contribute for a snow leopard than for building repairs, while others said the zoo should demonstrate steps to stabilize its operating budget before adding another attraction.

Greg said the Friends are seeking preliminary assurance that donated funds could be used to purchase a replacement snow leopard and that, if funds are raised, the group would present the animal to the city as a donation for council approval. Council members generally signaled they had no problem with private fundraising for a replacement animal so long as the group funds the acquisition and the enclosure is appropriate; council did not take a formal vote during the session.