Efforts to make ‘North Alabama Zoo’ a reality continue as NALZS looks at funding
LIMESTONE COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT) — The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) is continuing to work toward its mission – “A zoo for you, North Alabama.”
NALZS, a non-profit, says for over four years they’ve been engaging in extensive research, intentional community discussion, and many fundraising efforts trying to bring a zoo to the region.
Local radio host still looking for donations in 15th annual prom dress drive
Recently, the society began collaborating with some Limestone County leaders to develop a comprehensive funding proposal for Phase 1 of the zoo project. The proposal is based on research into other successful funding models for family enrichment facilities throughout the country.
After completing that research, NALZS said they tailored the project to Limestone County’s location and resources. The county was chosen for the project because of its proximity to tourism corridors and relative land value affordability.
NALZS says that research shows public funding is essential to projects like this one.
“In conducting our research into how other zoos were established, NALZS has been fully aware that public funding would be essential for the large-scale nature of this project. With the aim of minimizing the financial burden on our community, we diligently explored every possible alternative before acknowledging that, indeed, public funding is crucial to achieve our goal. This has been the recipe of how other great zoos in the United States have started and the approach mirrors the successful establishment of other local attractions in recent years, reflecting a broader trend towards public investment in community assets.”
The North Alabama Zoological Society
Hartselle business creates sports equipment program to support families in need
The nonprofit hopes to allow the residents of Limestone County to vote on funding for the zoo during the General Election in November. It says it had a number of conversations with members of the Limestone County Commission regarding public funding.
“We feel it would be unfair to enlist local tax support without ensuring the final decision rests in the hands of Limestone County residents,” NALZS said.
NALZS did add that some members of the commission are hesitant to allow the county citizens to decide whether the project should advance.
In August 2021, NALZS announced that 279 acres of land in Limestone County would be the site of the new zoo. The society’s spokesperson at the time said the spot north of Martin Line Road next to Interstate 65, just south of Tanner has been taken off the market.
Lansing Companies, a land development company, pledged $1 million to help kick off the project and buy a portion of the land needed for the zoo in January 2022.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
