By Adam Studzinski
BLOOMINGTON – The Miller Park Zoo is officially opening its first new exhibit in 12 years Friday.
The long discussed flamingo exhibit will be the first thing visitors see once they walk into the zoo. The over 20 greater flamingos come from the Cincinnati and Sedgwick County Zoos. Bloomington Parks and Recreation Director Jay Tetzloff said this has been a challenging project.
“What does this exhibit mean for us here at the Miller Park Zoo? It shows all of our donors, current and future, where we’re going,” said Tetzloff. “Showing them that there is support from the government officials, the city staff, as well as the community in general.”
A ribbon cutting for the new exhibit will take place Friday at 9 a.m. Tetzloff added the flamingos are expected to increase zoo attendance by 5 percent.
Mayor Tari Renner said this is a “win-win” for the city and zoo.
“This is something that will help to improve Bloomington as a place to live, work, and play,” said Renner. “It’s something that, even if it weren’t a quality of life amenity, is a pretty darn good investment.”
The exhibit cost $300,000 and was funded by a combination of dollars from the city, Ewing Zoo Foundation, and the Miller Park Zoological Society. Tetzloff said Miller Park Zoo is now just the 13th zoo in the country with greater flamingos.
Adam Studzinski can be reached at [email protected].
