To say the least, David Traylor Zoo Director Lisa Keith was pleased to announce the $4.3 million goal for the Emporia Friends of the Zoo’s Oasis capital campaign has been met.
Campaign co-chairs Duane Henrikson and Rick Mitchell say the Emporia Friends of the Zoo has attained a $300,000 capstone challenge grant from Capital Federal. The drive had wide-ranging support, with leadership gifts from the WS and EC Jones Trust, Hopkins Foundation, William and Aloha Preston Trust, Jane and Bernard Reeble Foundation and Trusler Foundation combining with $1.7 million in gifts from over 130 individuals and businesses.
Keith thanked area residents for their support, saying, “Emporia always seems to come through.”
This marks the official end of the three-year fundraising process and sets the stage for construction to begin at the zoo. Construction of the new zoo entrance, waterfowl pond and gardens, signage and kookaburra exhibits will start the process. On KVOE’s 8:05 am newscast Tuesday, Keith said bids could go out by late September — and some work could take place this year.
Construction on the signature North American river otter exhibit and the Hopkins Family Zoo Education Center will start in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Keith also said this is the first part of a two-phase project. More renovations and expansions are coming to current exhibits, and the zoo will build a pavilion between the Zoo Education Center and walk-through portion of the zoo for a range of public events. A new nature play area is also planned.
For more information, call the zoo at 341-4365 or go online to www.emporiazoo.org.
7 am Tuesday: EFOZ’s Oasis capital campaign hits $4.3 million goal for enhancements at David Traylor Zoo
The David Traylor Zoo’s Oasis capital campaign has reached its fundraising goal.
Campaign co-chairs Duane Henrikson and Rick Mitchell say the Emporia Friends of the Zoo has attained a $300,000 capstone challenge grant from Capital Federal. The drive had wide-ranging support, with leadership gifts from the WS and EC Jones Trust, Hopkins Foundation, William and Aloha Preston Trust, Jane and Bernard Reeble Foundation and Trusler Foundation combining with $1.7 million in gifts from over 130 individuals and businesses.
The drive was announced in July 2018 with over $3 million of the $4.3 million goal already secured during a so-called quiet fundraising phase.
This marks the official end of the three-year fundraising process and sets the stage for construction to begin at the zoo. Construction of the new zoo entrance, waterfowl pond and gardens, signage and kookaburra exhibits will start the process. A formal start date or general time period has not been announced. Construction on the signature North American river otter exhibit and the Hopkins Family Zoo Education Center starting in 2020 and 2021, respectively.
Zoo Director Lisa Keith joins KVOE’s 8:05 am newscast Tuesday with more details.
