New Plans for Lake Superior Zoo
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DULUTH - It’s no secret that foot traffic has slowed down at the zoo since Berlin the polar bear left. Decreased attendance has caused a $600,000 hole in the Lake Superior Zoo's budget in the last few years.
City leaders say that's a path they can't keep going on.
City councilors approved nearly $60,000 for a national consultant to look at the full scope of the Lake Superior Zoo's grounds and surrounding property.
City officials say the company ConsultEcon will find out what's working and what's not to help the zoo become self–sustaining, generate more revenue and add to the St. Louis River Corridor concept.
"We know there's changes that are likely gonna be necessary,” said Daniel Fanning with the City of Duluth. “But we wanna hear from some of the experts who have gone to other parts of the country, who have looked at very similar situations and have found a way to make it work so we're excited about that ."
The zoo has proposed a $9 million concept that includes building an amphitheater, bear exhibit and discovery zone to bring in more visitors.
City officials say those plans are not off the table.
The consultant, city leaders and zoo staff will start the comprehensive planning process on June 30th.
They hope to have a firm vision in place by the end of summer.