The Vilas Zoo, in order to replace and update aging animal exhibits that have forced the relocation of multiple species, could receive a record-setting capital spending package ahead of its accreditation by animal welfare regulators next year, the Wisconsin State Journal reports.
Budget requests from the zoo over the past more than two years have signaled failing components and safety concerns with exhibits housing birds, penguins, seals, bears, giraffes, and more.
The county has slowly ramped up capital borrowing for the zoo as next year’s evaluation by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums approaches. With Dane County board approval in full next month, the zoo’s capital borrowing for 2024 would total $10.8 million.
