Lincoln Children’s Zoo is looking to expand

Posted By: Jenn Hatcher
jhatcher@klkntv.com

(City of Lincoln)_ The public is invited to an open house Tuesday March 31 to review and discuss a proposed land use plan for the Antelope Park Triangle, bounded by “A” Street, 27th Street and Capitol Parkway.  The Lincoln Children’s Zoo, Lincoln Public Schools (LPS) and Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department are hosting the open house from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Parks and Recreation Office, 2740 “A” Street.

The Zoo has developed a long-term plan to expand to the west, allowing for additional animal habitat areas as well as indoor and outdoor exhibit and event areas.  A permanent structure to house Zoo School, the LPS Science Focus High School, is also part of the plan.

Now in its 50th year, the Lincoln Children’s Zoo is home to over 350 animals.  More than 40 of those are endangered. Nearly 200,000 people attend the Zoo each year, making it the third most attended arts and science attraction in Nebraska.  In 2006, the Zoo became the smallest zoo to win the prestigious National Award for Museum and Library Service.

In 1997, LPS and the Zoo created the Zoo School, now housed in three portable classrooms at the south end of the Zoo.  Each year, about 100 high school students are enrolled in the Zoo School, where they participate in traditional and non-traditional styles of learning and play an active role in defining their learning environment and education.

More information on Parks and Recreation is available at parks.lincoln.ne.gov.  More information on the Zoo is available at lincolnzoo.org.   More information on LPS is available at lps.org.