The Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens broke ground this morning for its next major addition, Land of the Tiger, part of a $9.5 million expansion that will expand the zoo's Asia Precinct exhibit.
The expansion has a capital fundraising campaign of $9.5 million, part of an $11.5 million total campaign for the zoo's expansion.
Since the quiet portion of the campaign began, $7.5 million has been raised, which includes a $3 million donation from Wayne and Delores Barr Weaver.
Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens Executive Director Tony Vecchio, a former tiger keeper, said tigers have been the No. 1 requested animal from zoo patrons and the tiger exhibit will feature at least six tigers in a multifaceted area.
The tiger portion of the exhibit will have two main event and viewing spaces — one indoor, one outdoor — with a 5,600-square foot area on one side and 6,490-square foot area on the other. An enclosed trail that wraps around both areas and to the front of the exhibit also will allow the tigers to roam. Vecchio said the feature is innovative and will allow visitors to see animals all over the addition and will immerse much like the Range of the Jaguar exhibit.
The tigers are the core component of the expansion, which also will feature two pig areas — one for the warty pig and one for the Barbirusa — that will interact with otters. A hornbill aviary also is planned.
Vecchio said the goal is to have the Asia expansion open in March 2014, in time for the zoo's 100th anniversary.
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