The Sacramento Zoological Society has announced that its proposed new zoo in Elk Grove, California will not go ahead.
Per a statement from the Sacramento Zoo, efforts to build a new zoo in Elk Grove are no longer viable due to factors such as “economic uncertainty and increased construction costs”.
These have resulted in “an unacceptable level of risk for the project”, the zoo said.
Other concerns include future operating costs, the scope and scale of the first phase, and the ability to fund future phases.
“This is a deeply disappointing outcome for all of us who believed in the vision for the zoo and what it could have meant for our community and the region,” said Elk Grove’s mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen.
“I want to thank the Sacramento Zoological Society for their partnership over the past several years and for their belief in our city.”
New zoo in Elk Grove no longer viable
She said, “Despite the decision to discontinue the project, the City of Elk Grove will continue to dream big and pursue projects that will enhance our community and ensure that Elk Grove becomes a regional destination.”
In partnership with Elk Grove, the Sacramento Zoological Society’s plans to build a larger zoo on a new site were launched in 2021.
“We are grateful to the City of Elk Grove and its residents for embracing the bold vision that began our partnership,” said the society’s board chair, Elizabeth Stallard.
“We are disappointed that we will not be able to realize the dream we shared. However, the society remains committed to ensuring that this region will continue to have a vibrant and beautiful zoo long into the future.”
Over the next few weeks and months, Elk Grove and the Sacramento Zoo will unwind the project, with Elk Grove leaders to consider alternative options for the site at a later date.
Images courtesy of the Sacramento Zoological Society
