Lake Superior Zoo Unveils New Attractions

DULUTH - After nearly two years of planning the Lake Superior Zoo has a concrete vision to re–energize their facility after historic flood waters devastated their grounds. "We're really excited these are two projects that are very important for our zoo,” Lake Superior Zoo CEO Dawn Mackety said. “We anticipate they will bring a lot of revenue for us, increase our visitation." One of the projects being proposed is a new amphitheater which would replace the existing polar shores exhibit to create a space for concerts, animal programs and presentations. "We also propose in that area to have a gift shop, restrooms, cafeteria,” said Mackety. “That would all be on a second level. So if there were a flood to occur we wouldn't have any damage to exhibits." It was already in their master plan, but an interactive bear territory with multiple species of bear is also in the works. "You're not standing just in front of a single glass pane for example they're actually seeing the bears in multiple areas,” said Mackety. "That's gonna be a really fun exciting exhibit for us." This vision comes out to be around $9 million. Officials say the zoo and city are looking into a three prong approach consisting of tourism taxes, flood recovery and planning bills to make it happen."We've got some challenges,” said Mackety. “But we've got the right staff, the right people, we've got a mayor on board with us,” said Mackety. “We're very excited about our future." Zoo officials are hoping to make a trip to the capitol in the next few days to present their proposal. They also say after losing their main attraction, Berlin the polar bear, they lost $600,000 in almost 2 years. The zoo is also in the process of working on another project called the Forest Discovery Zone which will include pathways, restrooms, perimeter fencing and animal exhibits.