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Funding brings Calgary Zoo penguin exhibit a step closer to reality
CALGARY – The Calgary Zoo nudged one step closer Tuesday to starting construction on a new penguin exhibit, as a city committee approved releasing $14.5 million from a fund allotted to the zoo.
After the zoo actually receives the grant, site work is expected to begin in January on Antarctic Landing for a projected opening in mid-2011, zoo spokeswoman Laurie Herron said.
The project is a dramatically scaled-down version of the Arctic Shores project, which was to feature polar bears, otters and other cold-weather creatures. After construction costs ballooned in the boom years, the zoo scaled back its ambitious plans.
Antarctic Landing will cost $24.5 million, one-fifth of what the larger project would have cost. It will feature four species of sub-Antarctic penguins, as well as a new gift shop.
City council had committed five years ago to give the Calgary Zoo expansion money. Tuesday’s committee decision was purely procedural, and did nothing to change the zoo’s construction plans.
This is a rendering of the new Antarctic Landing development proposed for the Calgary Zoo. Photograph by: Courtesy, Calgary Zoo, Herald archive
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