Efforts to establish a zoo in North Alabama have encountered a significant setback.

On Monday night, the Limestone County commissioners declared they would not impose additional taxes on county residents. In a unanimous decision, they passed a resolution against utilizing government taxes and fees to fund the construction of the proposed private zoo.

The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) had previously requested the county commission to implement a 3% monthly electricity tax on all Athens Utilities customers to help raise the necessary $65 million for the zoo. This request followed challenges in securing sufficient funds through donations and grants.

Since March, NALZS has been collaborating with Limestone County officials to create a detailed funding plan for Phase 1 of the zoo project. This plan drew inspiration from successful funding strategies for similar family enrichment facilities nationwide.

The proposed tax aimed to replicate a previous initiative where Limestone County residents paid a one percent tax on their Athens utility bills to service a twenty-year bond for the Limestone County Jail.

In August 2021, NALZS revealed that 279 acres in Limestone County had been designated as the future zoo site. The chosen location, north of Martin Line Road and adjacent to Interstate 65, just south of Tanner, was subsequently removed from the market.

In January 2022, Lansing Companies, a land development firm, committed $1 million to kickstart the project and secure part of the land required for the zoo.

The organization continues to seek donations. For those interested in contributing, please visit the NALZS donation page.