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Sacramento Zoo in negotiations to relocate to Elk Grove

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Sacramento Zoo is in negotiations to relocate to Elk Grove, a city in California’s Sacramento County.

The Sacramento Zoological Society and City of Elk Grove have entered into an exclusive negotiating agreement to evaluate the relocation of the Sacramento Zoo to a site in Elk Grove in Sacramento County, California.

The Sacramento Zoo plans to build a larger attraction at the site in Elk Grove, also improving animal care and habitats, and modernising the visitor experience and amenities.

Over the next six months, the City of Elk Grove and Sacramento Zoological Society will explore the feasibility of the zoo‘s relocation and expansion.

If discussions are successful and an agreement is reached, the Sacramento Zoo would be constructed on approximately 60 acres of undeveloped land in Elk Grove.

60-acre attraction planned for Elk Grove

The City of Elk Grove recently secured the option to buy the property from developer Kamilos Companies if discussions with the zoo result in an agreement.

“Our first priority is always doing what is best for the animals,” said Sacramento Zoological Society board president Elizabeth Stallard.

“That commitment is driving this opportunity to provide the zoo’s animals with exceptional care in a larger, more modern facility that can better meet their needs and, in turn, inspire and connect more people with the natural world.”

The current Sacramento Zoo is 94 years old and landlocked. It covers an area of 14.7 acres and has limited parking space for visitors. The zoo has been looking for a new location in Sacramento for four years.

“Elk Grove is well positioned to provide space and support for a new zoo that will be a major attraction for visitors throughout the Sacramento region and northern California,” said Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen.

Sacramento Zoo currently covers 14.7 acres

sacramento zoo

“When we first learned of the zoo’s search for a new home, we knew the project would be a perfect fit and would align with the city’s values,” Singh-Allen said.

“The Elk Grove site will allow the zoo to become one of the country’s world-class zoos while honoring its nearly 100-year history and heritage in the Sacramento region.”

“When we discovered our mutual interest in exploring a partnership, we recognized it could lead to a new, regional zoological park that could benefit wildlife conservation, our animals, and our guests,” Stallard said.

The Los Angeles Zoo recently launched an ambitious conservation plan, while the Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri opened a $13m outdoor habitat for primates called Primate Canopy Trails.

Images: Sacramento Zoo

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Bea Mitchell

Bea is a journalist specialising in entertainment, attractions and tech with 10 years' experience. She has written and edited for publications including CNET, BuzzFeed, Digital Spy, Evening Standard and BBC. Bea graduated from King's College London and has an MA in journalism.

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