NALZ Update: It Takes a Community to Build a Zoo
Build it and they will come. But first, funds need to be raised to buy the land to build it on.
Bringing a world-class zoo and aquarium to north Alabama is no easy feat. Despite the excitement and enthusiasm that’s been generated, coupled with the many endorsements received from government leaders in North Alabama, generating the financial wherewithal continues to be the biggest hurdle that the North Alabama Zoo Society (NALZS) faces.
The most immediate need are funds for purchasing the land itself. Last years’ announcement of NALZS’s intent to acquire two properties in Limestone County put the project on the radar of developers, eager to transform the area into the latest and greatest subdivision.
“It’s not uncommon for municipalities, counties, and states to provide some support to zoological facilities,” said Ethan Woodruff, NALZS Executive Director. “For planning purposes, NALZS has facilitated these conversations. More importantly, we need to secure land funding first. We don’t expect county or municipal funding for the purchase of land.”
The properties are situated along Limestone Creek and are filled with old growth trees, natural springs, and nature trails, ideal for a zoo and an aquarium. They are also near Madison, and all the new industry that is popping up along the I-65 corridor. It’s also an area that would be ideal for a residential community, to serve the needs of the area’s workforce.
As pressure mounts for the owner to sell the property to developers, NALZS is faced with a sense of urgency to purchase the land. To that end, NALZS rolled out its “Claim Your Spot” fundraising campaign to kick off the new year. To date, there has been a modest, yet generous outpouring of contributions by members of the community.
Once the land is purchased, Woodruff believes that more funding channels will open. However, the entire process is and will continue to be a lengthy endeavor.
“As far as the project goes, I can say on behalf of NALZS, we have made it clear this project is a marathon, not a sprint,” said Ethan Fitzgerald, NALZS Public Relations Coordinator. “We have been putting in the work in anticipation of when it becomes a sprint.”
Zoos and aquariums have been shown to provide mental and emotional benefits, as well as serve as an economic and tourism generator. Not only will the presence of a zoo serve the community in the form of revenue generation for the region, but it will also provide job opportunities.
“This project will bring a new quality of life component to our county and all of our visitors,” said Colin Daly, Chairman, Limestone County Commission. “The County Commission looks forward to welcoming this unique project to our county and looks forward to being part of its future success.”
Since the big announcement last August, Athens Mayor Ronnie Marks has received numerous positive comments about the project. “The community feels that this is something to “roar” about for our area,” said Marks. “Thank you for investing in our community and working to add another quality-of-life experience in Limestone County.”
“We are extremely pleased that leaders of our communities see and are endorsing the value of bringing a world-class zoo and aquarium to North Alabama,” said Woodruff. “This project provides so many great benefits: STEM biological sciences education, improved emotional and mental quality of life for our communities, recreation, added tourism, and being part of world-wide conservation efforts. Everyone we talk to says they can’t wait, and this is what our community needs.”
“The community has made it very clear that they want a zoo in North Alabama,” said Fitzgerald. “We won’t give up our efforts to make it happen.”
To Claim YOUR spot, go to: https://www.nalzs.org/claimyourspot
