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Sep 26, 2008 10:38 pm US/Central
Thousands Flock To Dallas Zoo Despite Controversy
Reporting
Jack Fink
DALLAS (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
Dallas Zoo officials are reporting record-breaking attendance.
"We just went over 660,000 this year," said Sean Greene, Dallas Zoo. According to officials, the zoo hasn't seen as many visitors since 1979.
"We shattered our attendance record. I think it's a real testament to a lot of the things we brought in there," said Greene.
Since 2004, the Dallas Zoo has spent $14 million renovating the Wings of Wonder, the Children's Zoo, the main entrance and many other exhibits.
This March, it opened its Stingray Bay exhibit, and because of its popularity, the zoo has extended it until the end of the year.
"It's incredible. The kids love it. It's family friendly. We just really like coming out here," said zoo visitor Jill Smith.
The record-breaking attendance comes despite a string of what wildlife expert Jack Hanna called "bad luck."
Jenny the Gorilla died at 55. She was the oldest in captivity. Kiki, its 39-year-old elephant, also died. The two animals were the zoo's main attractions.
Hanna was in Dallas this week addressing the zoo's top patrons. Hanna said the animals at the zoo died at an old age and that their care-givers should be credited.
Controversy also erupted when the zoo announced plans to send Jenny the Elephant to Mexico where she would be with other pachyderms.
After an outcry from citizens and some members of the Dallas City Council, Jenny is now staying in Dallas.
Hanna, one of the nation's most renowned zoo-keepers, says people need to trust the zoo's managers.
"The one thing a zoological park can not afford is politics," he said. "I've been at the Columbus Zoo for 31 years, and our zoo is owned by the city and county. Not once in my time has the mayor or city council stepped into the zoo's operations or decisions."
In the next 18 months, the zoo will spend $30 million to create an African savannah. It will consist of eleven acres of habitat for lions and zebras and new elephants and giraffes.
Hanna said he was impressed with the amount of money the zoo has received from both the city and in private donations.
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