TOPEKA (AP) — The Topeka Zoo’s master plan includes dreams of new geographical areas, new animals, improved elephant exhibits and even a butterfly house.
Zoo officials acknowledge the plan is ambitious and will change over time. They also have no cost estimate, except an estimated $9.8 million for expanding the elephant exhibit.
Zoo director Brendan Wiley presented the plan in a public hearing Wednesday, saying zoo officials wanted to be sure of public support before embarking on the plan.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reported the elephant exhibit is the zoo’s first priority. It would increase the exhibit from three-quarters of an acre and add elephants.
The layout will be grouped according to where they are from, such as North America, Asia and Africa.