During the development of the Chattanooga Zoo’s 2013 master plan, a number of projects and priorities were identified. The first project decided upon was as an African expansion that would include a major giraffe exhibit, and a phase 2 lion exhibit to be located near the Zoo entrance. Moving forward with this planning, a number of overarching goals guided the process and the design of the exhibit:

Create an exhibit that would propel the Zoo to new levels as a leading attraction and destination in Chattanooga.

Strengthen the Zoo’s business model by driving more visitors through the gate and creating opportunities for increased revenue generation.

Further the Zoo’s conservation and education mission through great engagement with our guests through animal interactions, educational programs, and up-close experiences.

Establish even higher standards of exhibitory, animal viewing, and immersion.

Integrate the new African exhibits into the overall experience, creating a visit with easy circulation while allowing for future expansion.

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REACHING GREAT HEIGHTS

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Master plan

A Lofty Barn A guest friendly giraffe holding barn will include a day yard viewing area to allow visitors to go indoors to get up-close and personal. The indoor day yard will allow for guests to visit our giraffes in the colder months when the weather does not for allow this African mammal to be in their outdoor exhibit. The giraffe barn and exhibit are designed large enough to comfortably house up to seven animals.

Giant ViewsZoo guests will approach a continuous water feature flowing through the habitat and get a glimpse of the dynamic giraffe exhibit as soon as they enter into the Zoo. This exhibit will offer many interactive viewing opportunities from all angles of the giraffe yard. Guests will be able to take in the large view of the complete experience as well as enjoy watching these magnificent creatures through glass windows located in the back side of the exhibit.

Feeding StationThe giraffe feeding station will allow guests to get face-to-face and encounter the world’s tallest mammal. The offering of giraffe feeding will be held daily as guests will have the opportunity to hand feed a giraffe while learning about their nutritional needs.

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Miniature MammalsAlong side the giraffe exhibit, pocket exhibits housing small African mammal species will exist. An immersive trail will take guests away from the main pathway into a secluded area where they will have the opportunity for a more intimate view of these animals.

EducationThe new giraffe exhibit will allow multiple areas for educational presentations, keeper chats, and group studies. Interactive on-site programing will be held at the exhibit allowing educators to incorporate the animal into their curriculum. The expansion will grant the need for more educational program offerings and educational staff.

Huge on ConservationThe Chattanooga Zoo participates in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for many currently housed species and will participate for giraffe as well. The SSP is a cooperative breeding program, with numerous North American Zoos working together to ensure the survival of the species. The giraffe exhibit and barn will also allow for future giraffe breeding.

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The Lion’s Den The Lion holding area will house up to four cats, with additional holding space to accommodate potential breeding programs. Dedicated areas will allow for special behind-the-scenes tours and an ideal work space for animal care staff.

Training the WildAn interactive training wall will be visible to the public and easily accessible for animal care staff. Trainings and animal enrichment will take place daily for Zoo guests to observe.

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A Cat’s KingdomA barrier free lion habitat will wow Zoo guests upon entry. A water moat designed as a beautiful waterfall and stream feature connecting the entire African Expansion will separate guests and the “king of the jungle.” The lion exhibit will offer amazing viewing opportunities that will grasp the attention of all who see.

EducationWith the animal training wall visible to the public eye, new educational programs will offer studies on lion behavior, training, and enrichment. With a greater focus on mission-driven education programs, the Chattanooga Zoo will provide a differentiation of offerings.

Mane Conservation InitiativesThe Chattanooga Zoo plans to continue to grow its participation in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) by becoming actively involved in the African Lion SSP. The SSP provides population management in hopes of successful breeding in accredited Zoos. The Lion exhibit and holding area will be designed with breeding and raising cubs in mind.

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EventPlaza

The Chattanooga Zoo is one of the city’s top facility rental venues. The Zoo’s affordable rates and variety of unique indoor and outdoor spaces provide guests with a truly special experience. On average, the Zoo hosts 25 paid facility rentals per year, and countless number of free-of-charge rentals for it’s partners and long-time supporters.

In addition to the many rentals, the Zoo’s facilities are also used regularly to host numerous special events and activities year round including Zoo fundraisers, educational programming, Zoo Camps, daily activities open to the public, and more.

With the newly constructed event plaza, the Chattanooga Zoo’s facility rentals, programs, and other activities will broaden immensely and will allow for new interactive experiences. The event plaza will comfortably hold seating for 350 guests at tables and hold a standing room capacity of 700. The plaza will be comfortably covered for shade and weather protection. It will be open daily to all Zoo guests when not in use for special events.

Special event guests will conveniently have the opportunity to experience giraffe sightings and encounters with the placement of a small giraffe yard along side the event plaza. Also included in the event plaza will be concessions and restrooms for special events and day-to-day use, a special event stage, restrooms accessible to the public, equipment storage area, and a kitchen area for catering needs.

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This project addresses several needs of the Zoo:

Continues to fulfill and enhance the Zoo’s conservation and education mission programs.

Creates added value for the Zoo guest.

Provides two iconic zoo animals to the Chattanooga Zoo’s collection.

Offers a blockbuster exhibit right at the Zoo’s front door.

Giraffe exhibits at other institutions have proven to be winners, consistently delighting guests and offering the opportunity to generate additional revenue and providing reasons for return visits.

Creates a “WOW” exhibit that will drive attendance to new levels.

Fills in what is now a vast open space with no animal experience.

Raises the bar in terms of exhibit standards for the next round of improvements and additions to the Zoo.

Extends visitor stay time which will positively impact food, gift, and experience sales. Provides an opportunity to engage new and different levels of donors.

Why Africa?

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projectionsAttendance

Member Households

Facility Rentals

Experiences

Zoo Employees

Revenue

Admission

Memberships

Facility Rentals

Experiences

Education

Feedings

Total:

(On-site programs, Outreaches, Youth Programs, Zoo Camps, Overnights)

(Train Rides, Camel Rides, Carousel Rides, Zoo Keeper for a Day, WILD Encounters, Zoo Tours, Birthday Parties)

(Year round)

170,547

4,236

24

89,823

55

$617,773.88

$212,477.74

$26,709.50

$209,195.07

$109,824.28

$0.00

$1,175,980.47

229,648

6,563

42

91,803

60

$855,782.14

$317,989.70

$56,537.44

$227,945.60

$125,125.90

$84,243.27

$1,667,624.05

247,168

8,017

51

92,128

62

$897,862.91

$343,081.76

$69,188.37

$233,463.61

$142,014.61

$89,950.52

$1,775,561.78

2014 2018 2020Giraffe Lion

Phasing & CostsExpected Development Time:

Design 2016 - 2017

Giraffe Construction 2016 - 2018

Lion Construction 2019 - 2020

Giraffe Opening 2018

Lion Opening 2020

Estimated Costs:

Giraffe $5.5 million

Event Plaza & Other Structures $1.1 million

Lion $3.4 million

Total investment$10,000,000

keys for successIn order for this project to be a true success, the following elements will be critical:

Building to the highest standards that incorporate the latest trends in modern zoo exhibit design.

Integrating education and conservation components into the design and operations.

Creating an intimate and interactive guest experience.

Continuing to provide up-close opportunities to view animals.

Having many animals as opposed to few.

Building in places for feedings and interpretation.

Incorporating attractive event and people gathering spaces within and near the exhibit.

Seamlessly linking the exhibit to the rest of the Zoo experience.

Developing connections to the front entry including the entrance cafe and carousel to lengthen visit times and encourage additional spending in those areas.

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we need you!A project of this magnitude requires widespread support and diverse funding sources, including philanthropic dollars from individuals, foundations, corporations, and local governments.

Gifts of all sizes are needed. The contributions of many will combine to form a complete foundation of support. Together we can make this amazing project a reality. All gifts to the Chattanooga Zoo are tax deductible to the fullest extent of the law. The Friends of the Zoo, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) organization under the Internal Revenue Code.

For more information on giving and special support opportunities, please contact the Zoo’s Development Team:

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Darde LongPresident & CEO(423) 643-1322 x 5708dlong@chattzoo.org

Tina Harvey CrawfordDevelopment Officer(423) 643-1322 x 5720(423) 364-4619tcrawford@chattzoo.org

Liz CroweChief Operating Officer(423) 551-3918lcrowe@chattzoo.org

Thank you for helping us

Reach Great Heights

Our missionThe mission of the Chattanooga Zoo is to engage and inspire our community to better understand and preserve wildlife

by creating meaningful connections between people and animals. With

our intimate, innovative exhibits, wide-ranging educational offerings and

commitment to conservation, our vision is to be a top destination for residents and visitors alike and the pride of our

community.

301 North Holtzclaw AvenueChattanooga, TN 37404

(423) 697-1322www.chattzoo.org