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Group plans to bring ‘world class’ zoo to Las Vegas

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Las vegas zoological park las vegas zoological society

The Las Vegas Zoological Society is in the early stages of developing a 40-hectare zoo that will feature 900 animals across 300 species.

The proposed Las Vegas Zoological Park would cost approximately $250m and focus on “animal care, science, education and conservation”. It would include a “motor safari ride” that would shuttle visitors around the park to view 16 exhibits featuring all the different animals on offer.

The zoo is still in early stage development with no timetable. Las Vegas Zoological Society has a Facebook page and website and is accepting donations as it progresses towards developing a master plan for the project.

The planned 16 exhibits for the zoo are:

  • African
  • American
  • Australian
  • Asian
  • Aquatic
  • Primates
  • The Children’s Zoo
  • Polar Bears
  • Big Cats
  • Aviary
  • Reptiles
  • Botanical Garden
  • Gorilla
  • Lemur
  • Penguins
  • Nevada

The Children’s Zoo will cater to younger visitors with pony and camel rides with a petting Zoo. Outside the Children’s Zoo a large carousel will mark the entrance. The park entrance will feature a two-story lodge style building that will include admission, guest services, members services, a café, animal art gallery, gift shop and the second floor will serve as administrative and staff offices.

Las Vegas Zoological Park map
A map of the proposed Las Vegas Zoological Park. Image: c. Las Vegas Zoological Society.

The park will also offer banquet and catering facilities for personal or corporate events. A sheltered picnic area will provide seating for 200. There will also be two outside amphitheatres each offering seating for 700 each and inside auditorium seating for 500.

The Zoological Society has two options for the master plan. The first would see the entire site developed with the first round of funding, while the second would split it over two phases. It has identified five different potential sites for the zoo in the southwest area of Las Vegas.

Bruce Thompson, chairman of the Las Vegas Zoological Society board of trustees, said in a statement on its website: “The Las Vegas Zoological Park will start a tradition of protecting; conserving and managing threatened and endangered species.

“Our conservation department will take a leading role in evaluating threats to species survival and developing effective long-term programs to counter these threats.

“Our goal will include developing an international reputation for taking a cutting-edge role in animal care and conservation of the natural world.”

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Sam McCaffrey

Journalist. Likes immersive entertainment experiences, museums, zoos and the odd go on a Waltzer.

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