Fresno Zoo continues to improve - Colin Dougherty, Fresno Bee 3/8/10 Mar. 08, 2010

Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board and staff were given a mandate by the citizens of Fresno County to develop a world-class zoo with the funds authorized by Measure Z. Where do we stand today?

Many internal improvements have been made to exhibits, walkways, plantings, infrastructure and signage. The plans are alive and bearing fruit.

A long and difficult Environmental Impact Report process to allow expansion is in its final stages. This EIR encompasses the entire Roeding Park Master Plan and reviews every aspect of the changes that will happen as the 107-year-old park grows. The zoo is just one part of it.

Air quality, parking space, water use, impact on roads bordering the park, historical significance and planning for the optimum retention of trees and green space are all key factors being considered in the EIR process.

The 21-acre zoo expansion cannot begin until the EIR is approved by city management, the Planning Commission and, ultimately, the Fresno City Council. Objections to the EIR by members of the public can delay the expansion project until their objections are satisfied.

The delay in being able to start construction in the expanded area is exasperating to everyone involved, but in the meantime, change and growth within the current footprint of the zoo are moving ahead.

The plans for a totally new and beautiful sea lion exhibit have been introduced and are being implemented. It will be more than twice as large as the existing exhibit and provide an experience similar to visiting Point Lobos on the California coast. It will include a 36-foot-long, 8-foot-high glass wall to provide zoo visitors with an exciting underwater viewing experience. The sea lion exhibit will be the first major exhibit implemented under the Zoo's Master Plan.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is in an enviable position to grow thanks to Measure Z providing a tenth of one percent sales tax (one penny from each $10 spent in the County). The Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board's intent is to prove to our community that they have been judicious guardians of the public's money and trust by developing a community resource that everyone can be proud of. The long-term future will depend on renewing Measure Z in 2014.

The Zoo Board is very conscious of the drop in sales tax revenue and has adjusted the Master Plan accordingly. As of January 2010, Fresno Chaffee Zoo had $34.3 million available to spend toward capital projects to expand and create a zoo that will be a centerpiece of education, entertainment and national renown.

The Zoo Board is confident that Fresno County residents will be thrilled and excited about what they see and say "Wow!" when they see it.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is on the threshold of a great future. Its history is known by all Valley residents; the memories are vivid in all parents who bring their children to the Zoo; the management, staff and docents are outstanding and dedicated; the Board is committed; and the future is bright.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a highlight attraction of Fresno and the Valley. It has the ability to inspire curiosity, generate excitement and create family memories. It offers a message of conservation and the ability to embrace art, math, science and other academic disciplines through its Education Center programs.

Millions of people travel through the Valley each year. Three of the nation's most beautiful national parks are in our backyard. Enhancing Fresno Chaffee Zoo provides an opportunity to attract many of those travelers and encourage them to stop and spend some time and money in our community.

Fresno Chaffee Zoo staff and board invite you to go to the zoo's Web site, www.fresnochaffeezoo.org, and see the Master Plan and the design of the new Sea Lion exhibit. Residents are also invited to attend the Zoo Board meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the zoo's Education Building.

The community's investment in Fresno Chaffee Zoo is a cherished trust that the Zoo Board is respectfully managing to develop a zoo to delight its audience. We are moving forward with great excitement and anticipation of outstanding things to come.

Colin Dougherty is the chairman of the Fresno Chaffee Zoo Board.