Erie Zoo has raised nearly 90% of goal for capital campaign. Which projects will it fund?

Priorities have changed some since 2019 when the Erie Zoo launched its first capital campaign in 25 years.

The goal was to raise $10 million to develop what the zoo called Wide Open Spaces, a plan to enlarge the zoo's footprint, providing space for an expanded giraffe exhibit as well as a welcome plaza, expanded gift shop and renovated train station.

The COVID-19 pandemic slowed fundraising efforts for a time. And the loss of accreditation from the Association Zoos and Aquariums in November 2021 shifted some of the zoo's priorities.

"Being interrupted by COVID allowed us to understand the impacts of COVID as they relate to our longer term needs and adjust for new AZA standards," said Melissa "Roo" Kojancie, who was named the zoo's CEO in December.

While the zoo continues to raise money for a future giraffe exhibit, Kojancie said a new veterinary facility is now the top priority.

Future plans

Money from the campaign is expected to fund the opening of a new otter exhibit this summer and already has picked up the bill for a new primate habitat and the restoration of the zoo's main building.

As of late 2023, the fundraising total for the capital campaign stood at about $7 million, according to Jeff Beach, who serves as chairman of the zoo's board of directors.

Publicity about the zoo's financial challenges in late 2023 prompted several large and unsolicited donations, Beach said.

"People wanted to know how they could help," he said.

The total grows

Those donations helped push the capital campaign total to $8.9 million, nearly 90% of the original goal, Kojancie said.

She said in a statement that those contributions "allowed us to move forward with the conversion of one of our original locomotives to electric power, begin construction of a new viewing area at our African painted dog habitat, modernize an existing boardwalk and update our gift shop."

Kojancie, who describes the capital campaign as a success, said the fundraising effort officially remains open.

"We are so grateful for the community’s deep-rooted love and support," she said. "This was ever more apparent through these significant donations. We expect, as the public learns more about our financial needs, it will continue to step up to support our efforts."

Contact Jim Martin at jmartin@timesnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Erie Zoo PA Wide Open Spaces capital campaign nears 90% of $10M goal