HISTORY OF THE ABILENE ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS Development of the present Abilene Zoological Gardens began in 1919 when the original zoo was built in Fair Park now named Oscar Rose Park. The City fathers purchased land there in 1914 for the West Texas Fair and it became Abilene’s first municipal park. A major step was taken in 1940 when the City Charter was amended to allow the establishment of a Parks and Recreation Board as a governing board and later changed to a policy making board. They hired the first Park superintendent and purchased maintenance equipment for the improved upkeep of the City’s Parks. By 1943, the number of parks had grown to five and interest in the parks had increased, leading to the first Parks Bond in 1959 and 1960. The Parks Board named a committee to study enlargement of the zoo, and in 1962 it recommended moving the zoo to a new location. The Abilene Zoological Society was formed in 1963 and a Board of Directors of sixty people was named with attorney David Hooper as the first president. In I964, a Parks Bond program of $772,265 was approved, the Zoological Society signed an agreement with the City, and construction of the new zoo at Nelson Park began. After three years of planning and construction with an investment of more than $600,000; the Abilene Zoological Gardens was opened on July 2, 1966. In a special ribbon cutting ceremony “Connie”, the new Asian elephant, pulled the ribbon apart at the entrance beginning a day of special events. Walter Kuenzli was the Zoo Director from this period until 1968. The animal collection was financed by private gifts of individuals businesses, clubs, and other groups. At this time there were 480 specimens representing 156 species. During 1967-68, the women of the Abilene Zoological Society formed a docent “Zoo Tour Corps” to serve as guides for visiting groups. A “Zoo tour” guidebook was compiled and printed for distribution to schoolteachers and other group leaders and studied by the “Corps.” One notable birth occurred during this period: three Bush babies being born to one mother. During 1968-69, other valuable donations were made. The most noteworthy donation was an anonymous gift of $10,000 for a pair of Reticulated giraffes for the newly completed giraffe exhibit. “G-Day” was officially declared on May 24th when Mayor J.C. Hunter Jr. cut the ribbon on the “High Neck Bridge” over the two new baby giraffes. There were 3 births at the zoo that year. Wooden signs were installed on all animal exhibits and the Jaycees constructed two covered public resting areas. In 1968, Zoo Director Wait Kuenzii departed for the directorship of the Tulsa Zoo and Dan Watson, then Director of the Indianapolis Zoo, was hired as his replacement. In 1969-70, shade shelters were built in three areas for hoofed animals. This was a joint project of the Zoological Society, the City, Rose Construction Company, and West Texas Utilities Company. A “Zoomobile” was purchased that was taken to different recreation centers during the summer. Sloth bear cubs were born as well as tiger cubs and two bison calves during the year 1970-71. A new baby African elephant, “Penny II”

was received as a trade for the original “Penny” who went to the Kansas City Zoo as a companion for their male African elephant. During the year 1971-72 the zoo continued its improvement program. There were net proceeds of $14,000 from the preceding year, and the Abilene Zoological Society could now make plans for additions to the collection and for other improvements. Three new sea lions were added bringing the total to seven. During one day at the Zoo, two sets of triplets were born, both unusual events, javelina and white-tailed deer. In December 1972 Tom Buchanan came to the Abilene Zoo as Zoo Curator with a Master’s degree in animal behavior psychology from Texas A&M. Prior to coming to Abilene he had been with the World of Animals in Mesquite, Texas. The Zoo’s fledgling docent program continued during 1973 and a half-charge admission fee was instituted for senior citizens. Important improvements for 1973 included the construction of the North perimeter fence to insulate the Zoo service area from public intrusion, and the subsequent paving of service roadways. In 1974-75, the original, and then non-functioning, concession building was transformed into the existing Education Building by the Abilene Zoological Society at a cost of $I2,000. The zoo’s veterinary clinic and commissary facilities were remodeled, and a bulk hay storage barn was constructed as well with Society funds generated through gate receipts. Three Pronghorn antelope were obtained for the Zoo’s Texas Plains complex. A well-publicized event occurred in March, 1974. “Henry” the original male Abyssinian ground hornbill escaped ... again. He was seen several times along the highway a few miles from the Zoo, but all attempts to capture him failed until June when local rancher Phil Guitar lassoed him from horseback. In recognition, Mr. Guitar and his assistant were given life memberships to the Zoo. Continued progress was made in 1976. The original doors to the elephants’ indoor quarters had not held up well to the whims of those “playful giants.” New heavy duty, horizontal sIiding and locking doors were designed and installed. Grant’s zebras were successfully integrated into the animal collection for the first time. Significant events for 1977 included, increasing the Zoo’s admission structure for the first time since opening in 1966. The construction of the giraffe exhibit lodge pole backdrop and windbreak with Society funds (approx. $6,000) was completed. The present Zoo Administrative Office was completed ($33,000 from AZS revenue sharing) allowing the development of the Zoovenir Shop. Jerry Johnson’s design firm was hired to evaluate the zoo and assist in generating long-range goals. The Society and City began sponsoring the Regional Science Fair. The Zoo began participation in the International Species Information System (ISIS) and received interim accreditation from the American Association of Zoological Parks and Aquariums (AAZPA) during the preliminary evaluation stage. In 1978, an area significant to the future of the Zoo was renovated; two sections of the Herpetarium and Zoo Centrum (the original animal contact area) were modified to facilitate public viewing, creating new exhibit space, and began the development of a

significant reptile and amphibian collection. Included in the renovation was an important advancement; the addition of a system which maintains consistent temperatures at two levels allowing increased attention to be given to the contained environments of the reptiles and amphibians, and also provided more natural habitats. With these improvements, future breeding and research strategies could be developed and implemented. At that time, there were about 80 species of reptiles. During 1979, another major improvement was completed resulting in the generous expansion and redesign of the exterior elephant facility eliminating the moat, developing several levels of viewing, providing increased public interaction, and improved safety and management of the elephants ($118,000 City and Society). A birthing den facility was also developed that year for the Polar bears using Society funds ($6,000) and 1979 saw the disposition of the nonproductive “Zoo World” amusement area east of the zoo entrance. The consulting and design firm McFacizen, Everly and Associates of Illinois was selected in 1980 to assist the Staff and Board in developing a master plan for the future of the Zoo. They sent four representatives to study the present facilities. Three very special firsts also occurred in 1980. A chick was hatched by “Hortense” the Abyssinian ground hornbill; a rare Moustached guenon monkey was born and the Zoo produced its first Polar bear cub believed to be the most southern latitude breeding for these two species. Also, night security personnel began working for the first time within the Zoo grounds in April. In October of 1980, Jack Joy was selected as Director of the Abilene Zoo and Executive Director of the Abilene Zoological Society. Mr. Joy had been with the Dallas Zoo for ten years and the last eight as Zoo Curator. During 1981, a phased long range Master Site Development Plan was completed, and was approved by the Zoo’s Society Board, the Parks and Recreation Board, and the City Council. The intent of this plan was to provide a dynamic comparison of animals from North and Central America with those living in habitats similar to Africa and Madagascar. When completed, the Zoo would have expanded from its present 13 acres to almost 60. In April, a docent-training program was re-constituted and publication was started on the Pronghorn Press written by the Zoo staff with articles about different animals and activities at the Zoo. An exciting addition to the Zoo arrived in November—two “baby” (2 and 3) years old African elephants named “Ahmed and Tanya” received wild from Zimbabwe. In 1982 work on the first phase of the Development Plan for the “core” Zoo was started. Developed projects included a new exhibit for Secretary birds and the completion of the Avian Research Center (ARC) incubation facility. In addition, Golden eagle chicks were hatched at Abilene and then released in North Carolina’s Smokey Mountains. In 1983, the first step was taken to utilize the section between the Elephant and African Plains exhibits for a demonstration native plant and wildflower exhibit. A committee was formed of Abilene Zoological Society members and led by Ruth Addington. Abilene Parks Department helped in the initial planting of the area. Highlighting the results of the

planting were Mexican sunflowers. A staggered blooming season was set to insure that various species would be in bloom for a longer period of time. The Grover Nelson Park Zoological Foundation was legally recognized April 1983 as the principal fund-raising entity. Other significant events for 1983 included the development of an outdoor, natural lizard and endangered Coahuila box turtle exhibit, and the Zoo successfully reproduced Wirot’s Vipers (world’s first breeding.). President Reagan declared June as National Zoo & Aquarium Month. Reorganization and improvement of the Docent program occurred in 1983 and the following year a training program was offered and tours were again conducted at the Zoo. In February 1984, an auxiliary group called Safari was formed to provide support to the Abilene Zoo through social and fundraising activities: the main annual event hosted by Safari was “Zoobilation.” and the first one was held October 6th. The Zoo had a very successful jingle developed that year, as well as hosting the First Zoo Day on May 6th, developing concepts for the Dik dik - Crowned Crane exhibit, and producing the first known captive-bred Storr’s dwarf monitor. The Society’s Operating Agreement with the City of Abilene was renewed for another ten years. In the spring of 1985 the regular operating hours of the Zoo were changed to 9 am (from 10) to 5 pm and began summer hours in which the Zoo was open until 7 pm on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays. The contract to complete the design for the Discovery Center was awarded by the Society to McFadzean, Everly, and Associates of Illinois and Tittle Luther Loving Architects of Abilene. The concept (developed in 1981) was to replace the ring pit exhibits with four interconnected walk-through buildings, a zoo-within-a-zoo where invertebrates, aquatic animals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, and small mammals would be systematically presented and comparatively interpreted. Sometime during the night of June 5, 1985 burglars broke into the Herpetarium. They entered the service room by breaking a double plate glass window to a lizard exhibit then kicked out a door from the lizard exhibit to the service room. Nineteen snakes were taken, valued at more than $200,000. The Zoo felt that Pinkerton’s, providing security at the Zoo at the time of the break-in, had been negligent in its duties. The Society and City sued the company for breach of contract and asked for $54,000 in damages. The suit was later settled out of court in the fall of 1987 and the Zoo received $10,000. 1985 also saw the Abilene Zoological Gardens formally accredited by AAZPA, the construction of the hoofed animal reserve facility, followed immediately by the development of the bison wallow pool replacing the metal stock tank. The carnivore moated exhibits received new strategically designed tubular steel guardrails (replacing historic barbed wire) and the Dik dik - Crowned Crane exhibit was completed by Zoo staff. Zoo Day was moved to June to more appropriately combine celebrations of both our Zoo and National Zoo & Aquarium Month. The 1st Zootography Contest was held in March and the 1st Thanksgiving at the Zoo was kicked off November 23rd. City Council approved two additional Zookeeper positions for fiscal 1985-86. In addition, 1985 produced another first known captive breeding, the Mottled rock rattlesnake.

The Abilene Zoo located in Nelson Park turned 20 years old in July 1986 and special events were held in honor of that occasion. In September, the 1st Zoo Fest took place and a bond issue was passed by the voting public for $750,000 to be matched by the Grover Nelson Park Zoological Foundation to equal the total estimated $1.5 million needed to build the Discovery Center and surrounding landscape. Mrs. Jane Boswell’s class contributed funds for identification signs at the Native Plant and Wildflower exhibit, and the concept and design for the Nelson Park Festival Gardens was approved as a reuse part of that year’s Zoobilation 150 fund raiser, and sponsored the first experimental Zoo School program. The Abilene Zoo Docents were reorganized, selected the new name of “Zoomers” and had a banner project year. Due to continued rising operational and project costs, the Board approved an increase in admission and membership price structures implemented in October (last increase in 1977). Jack Joy retired as Zoo Director in September, and Tom Buchanan was appointed as Interim Director. 1986 was a record year for public use with over 146,000 visitors. In January 1987, Tom Buchanan was selected as Zoo Director. The Board and City approved a staff re-organizational plan, which included using funds from the Zoo Curator position to develop an Education Coordinator position, development of an additional Zoo Supervisor position and shifting staff responsibilities in order to more adequately cover the care of the animal collection with reduced animal staff positions. In April, Jane Boswell Garrison’s class again donated funds for educational signs (this time for trees). The ARC reserve aviary was completed by Zoo staff in 1987, and the public restrooms were reconditioned. The frontage road to the Zoo was designated Zoo Lane and dedicated on Zoo Day. Continued progress within our Developmental Plan was made with the addition of a trio of rare Angolan Colobus monkeys, and a pair of Spotted hyenas to the collection, and successful production of a mixed exhibit combining Pronghorn, Sandhill cranes, and Blacktailed jackrabbits. The zoo staff was successful in two significant captive breedings producing two litters of African bush vipers and four Secretary birds. Another successful Zoo Fest was held in October featuring a video highlighting zoo keeping activities and produced by the zoo staff. 1988 saw continued improvement at the Abilene Zoo in several areas. In the spring, zoo staff completed exhibits development and introduced the public to a pair of African Bateleur eagles. On June 6 th the fourth annual Zoo Day, was again a success with record attendance, and introduced our newly created “Zoofers” food concession and redesigned native plant and wildflower area. The first annual Zoo Fest (for members only) was a great success in October 1988. Members were allowed into the zoo for a special after hours evening event and social hour with the staff and animals. Mrs. Jane Garrison’s class again donated funds for continued plant graphics development, and Zoo staff created a public information environmental news board. Also, the veterinary clinic and walk-in freezer were reconditioned and handicap parking and wheelchair ramps were constructed. Significant animal collection events included the birth of the first Spotted hyena pup, the successful cooperative raising of two Abyssinian ground hornbill chicks by both staff and parents, and the breeding of Kenyan crested guineafowl. Perhaps the most exciting event was

the final approval of the Discovery Center design and moving towards groundbreaking in spring, 1989. In 1989, the big news was beginning the construction of the Discovery Center. Long awaited since its inception in 1981, the well-attended groundbreaking ceremony was held on May 17, 1989. Over time, improved design changes have been made; however, the original scope, purpose and philosophy for this unique facility were not changed. Zoolute to Dyess was held May 6, 1989 and sponsored by the Abilene Zoological Society in recognition of Dyess Air Force Base’s contribution to the community. A total of $7,500 was raised by the zoo auxiliary Safari at the “Night on the Nile” fundraiser. These funds were designated for the Discovery Center interpretive graphics program. Dr. Mohamed Habashi, Director of the Gisa Zoo in Cairo, Egypt, (world’s oldest) was our special guest for Zoo Day ’89, celebrating with us National Zoo and Aquarium Month. The 2nd annual Zoo Fest was again a success in October 1989; with attendance double that of the previous year. A new zoo newsletter format, the AbiZoo’s News was developed and several editions and/or special editions were well received by the membership. Abilene Zoological Gardens was credited and listed as a Public Native Landscape in Native Texas Plants (Landscaping Region by Region) by Sally and Andy Wasowski. Four new interpretive materials shadow boxes were strategically placed throughout the Zoo to enhance visitor information services. A new Madagascan lizard exhibit was developed and included a “rain” system. Two Angolan colobus monkeys were born (AZG was one of only two U.S. Zoos breeding these rare species). A second generation Moustached guenon was born to parents who were also produced at the zoo. Another clutch of rare Wirot’s vipers were also hatched as well. In 1990-91 the Zoo’s focus was on the completion of the Discovery Center. The multi-building interpretive complex opened in May 1991. During that summer over 83,000 visitors explored the Discovery Center. The Discovery Center featured an educational trip through a comparison of habitats. Oceans, rivers, lakes, skies, woodlands, and the night were examined and explained, just how our environment is interconnected with our daily lives. In 1992, the Zoo suffered two notable passing’s. The untimely death in March of Tom Buchanan, Director of the Abilene Zoo since 1987 and later that same month the zoo lost their male African elephant “Ahmed.” In November 1992, Jim Fleshman was selected as Director of the Zoo and Executive Director of the Abilene Zoological Society. Prior to Abilene he had been with the San Antonio Zoo. The zoo embarked on its most aggressive marketing and community awareness program to date. Part of the Community awareness involved hiring Ron Schulze as the Education and Volunteer Coordinator. Ron was the Education Curator at the Sunset Zoo. 1993 brought the Zoo’s most successful Zoo Day in its history. More than 6,000 visitors went through the front gate in a five hour period. The zoo also added Tiger fish and Meller’s giant chameleon to its collection. The zoo continued its long-term commitment to breeding the Madagascan tree boa.

In 1994, the zoo began several small renovations to the herpetarium. Nine new aquarium displays were modified into miniature natural habitats and new facing materials were added to the front windows. The zoo was honored by the Monsanto Corporation with a Project Habitat award for the innovative Wetlands display. The zoo staff began the first of a three-part renovation of the old 1966 aviaries. Staff created naturalistic displays using concrete to make artificial rocks, cliffs, and streams. In order to streamline operations and maximize efficiency, four Night Keeper positions were established. The City of Abilene approved combining an existing part-time position with dollars spent for contracted security service. The Night Keeper duties would include diet preparation, grounds maintenance, and zoo security. The zoo was fortunate enough to bring “Cargo to Extinction” to the zoo. This successful and popular traveling display brought awareness of the illegal animal trade to the public. The zoo also added two new annual special events, Boo at the Zoo and Big Cat Day. Both of these wonderful events attracted large crowds to the zoo. 1995 was a huge year of growth for the zoo. The Abilene Zoological Society approved spending $400,000 to renovate the old empty sloth bear moat to construct a Jaguar and Ocelot exhibit complex. The City of Abilene approved the addition of a second floor to the zoo’s grain storage room doubling holding capacity. The zoo staff completed the second series of the avian renovation project. In accordance with the zoo’s master plan developed in 1981, the zoo expanded property within its perimeter fence by enlarging from 13 acres to 37 acres due to fencing in an additional 24 acres directly north of the zoo. In an effort to continually bring new and exciting events to Abilene, the zoo, in conjunction with Mutual of Omaha’s Wildlife Heritage Trust sponsored an event featuring Wild Kingdom’s, Jim Fowler. Jim was the featured speaker at a dinner one night, spoke to 4th graders the following day, and to the general public in an open session that evening with great success. The zoo staff continued adding events to the yearly list by adding Earth Day. Earth day is a conservation awareness event that featured local and regional conservation and environmental organizations. In 1996, Mayor Gary McCaleb dedicated the Jaguar and Ocelot complex to the children of Abilene at the grand opening ceremony. For the first time, children were able to view the largest predator from the New World through glass. This exhibit at the Abilene Zoo brought zoo visitors safely less than an inch from this powerful predator. The zoo began to spread music throughout the zoo with the first Zoo Serenade. This was the Abilene Philharmonic’s only outdoor event sponsored by Hendrick Health System. Along those same avenues the zoo received a grant from the Abilene Cultural Affairs Council for a Spots and Stripes Concert series featuring local artists. In keeping with the American Zoo and Aquarium Association’s guidelines the zoo passed its accreditation inspection once again (accreditation occurs every five years). Due to the high costs of operation the zoo reluctantly increased admission fees by $1.00. This was the first time in 11 years that fees had been increased at the zoo. With the transfer of our female Patas monkey to the Austin Zoo, the decision was made to add another endangered species to the collection. For the first time in the history of the zoo, Red ruffed lemurs, as well as Leaf and bark mimic geckos came to Abilene. These rare animals are found only on the island of Madagascar.

1997 was a large year for the Abilene Zoo due to the fact that most of the year centered upon our largest resident, “Tanya”, the African elephant. In May of this year Jeff Luther Construction began work to renovate the elephant barn and yard. In order to accomplish this work Tanya had to be transported to another Zoo. The Caldwell Zoo in TyIer, Texas was the nearest facility that housed African elephants and they agreed to hold Tanya until her barn was completed. Shipping an elephant by truck is a job only for a professional. Ed Novak is the best in the country and that’s who was selected to move our large cargo. Unfortunately, during the construction period the zoo lost a good friend, Van Dearman, Tanya’s trainer and friend passed away after a battle with cancer. During this same year Leadership Abilene took on the project of raising money to purchase a female giraffe for the Zoo. In total, Leadership Abilene raised $30,000. The search began for a suitable female to breed with “Bart”, the male giraffe at the Abilene Zoo. For the first time in the history of the zoo Leaf mimic geckos were bred at the herpetarium. During this year the zoo hired its second educator, Ms. DeAnna Hansen. Prior to the Abilene Zoo, Ms. Hansen worked at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center. 1998 seemed to be a year of moving large animals to the zoo instead of from the Abilene Zoo. The money raised by Leadership Abilene allowed the zoo to purchase a young female giraffe from the Tulsa Zoo in Oklahoma. We also placed one of our Secretary birds on breeding loan to the Oklahoma City Zoo. Following a year of construction, the elephant barn was completed. Now the big move was on to bring Tanya back and bring another elephant to be her companion. Again Mr. Novak was hired to haul elephants. This time he was going to haul two elephants to the Abilene Zoo. Tanya was coming back and the female from the Oklahoma City Zoo would be joining her as a companion. “Tanzy”, a 35 year old African elephant, that had been alone for a couple of years, would be ‘joining “Tanya” at the Abilene Zoo. With two elephants in the barn the Abilene Zoo was ready for the grand opening to the public. This same year saw the Abilene Zoo jump into the conservation arena. Zoo staff participated in a training session for MAPS (Monitoring Avian Populations Survey); this required that zoo staff once trained, to operate a bird trapping station at Camp Bowie near Brownwood, Texas. This project involved the federal government, Army National Guard, and several volunteer agencies. The zoo began working with The Nature Conservancy, Air National Guard, United States Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS), and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) to improve habitat for a federally listed endangered species, the Black-capped vireo. This project was conducted at Camp Barkely. Zoo staff was involved in direct habitat manipulation to improve breeding, habitat quality to target this endangered species. The zoo’s education department partnered with the Abilene Independent School district for every first grader in AISD to attend a structured class at the zoo. 1999 focused on breeding animals. The zoo was fortunate to produce an Angolan Colobus monkey, an Ocelot kitten, Abyssinian ground hornbill chick, two Bison calves, a Zebra foal, two Sandhill crane chicks, and several Prairie dog pups. The zoo assisted USFWS with an

animal smuggling case. Sixteen Mexican spider monkeys were smuggled illegally across the US-Mexican border. Following the capture of sixteen spider monkeys, ten died. The remaining six spider monkeys were transported by zoo staff to Abilene from a holding facility in Alice, Texas to the Abilene Zoo. Later in that same year the USFWS officially donated the animals to the zoo. Again the zoo joined forces with TPWD and the USFWS on an important project. The zoo joined the Attwater’s Prairie chicken restoration project. Twelve holding/breeding pens were built in the reserve areas specifically for this endangered species. Once chicks are produced they would be released onto protected property in south Texas. The zoo began a water quality improvement project for Nelson Lake with TPWD. This re-vegetation venture is designed to provide hiding spots for feeder fish and to improve oxygen content in the lake. For the first time in the zoo’s history Red-flanked duikers were added to the collection. 2000 was a year of many changes as the year began with the resignation of the Zoo Director, Jim Fleshman to assume the Director’s position at the Cameron Park Zoo. Following his departure the zoo was managed by Fred Aycock, Assistant Director of Community Services and Julie Napier, AZS Board President. This continued through November when Jeff Bullock came on staff. Jeff came to the Abilene Zoo from the Lee Richardson Zoo. Other staff changes during the year included the resignations of Deanna Hanson Education Coordinator who took a position at Fossil Rim Wildlife Center and David Heckard, Small Animal Curator who took a position at the San Diego Zoo. One of the most controversial moves of the year was the departure of the zoo’s lone Polar bear that was loaned to the Detroit Zoo for breeding purposes. The exhibit was then renovated and Black bears were brought in to replace the Polar bear. This year also saw the addition of another Red-flanked duiker and Meerkat to the animal collection. Notable births and hatchings for 2000 included Arizona ridgenose rattlesnakes and Attwater’s prairie chickens that went on to be released at a refuge. 2001 brought many changes throughout the entire zoo. The year began with the hiring of a new Education Coordinator. William Burch II was hired to fill this vacancy and added many new programs and classes during the year as well as an expanded Zoo Camp program. A restructure of the zoo’s management team also occurred this year. Changes included eliminating the Small and Large Animal Curators and adding a Zoo Curator position along with three Area Supervisor positions over Birds, Mammals, and Reptiles. 2001 was also a year of trying new ideas with the animal enclosures and zoo policies. The long empty Sea lion pool was renovated to acquire a pair of Wart hogs from International Animal Exchange for six months. The zoo discontinued selling animal cookies to feed the animals, substituting rye crisp crackers. Benches were added to the Discovery Center and an animal training and enrichment program was instituted. Shrubs lost to the drought across from the waterfowl pond were replaced with benches. 2001 also saw a change in the direction of the Abilene Zoo as the AZS Board voted to abandon the existing master plan and to expand the original theme of the zoo to have a

focus on grassland animals throughout the world. WDM Design was hired to facilitate a new master plan. The Board also voted to abandon the Canyon River Project. A Certificate of Obligation issued from the City for this project was changed to funding of exhibit renovations and upgrades. These funds were used to repair fountains in the waterfowl pond, and to renovate the Hyena and Bear exhibits. On a sad note, 2001 saw the passing of AZS Director Emeritus, Ruth Addington. An endowment was established in her name for butterfly research and conservation. In 2002, WDM developed and presented a progressive master plan that would transform the Abilene Zoo from a plains based collection and taxonomic presentation to a zoogeographic theme highlighting five major biomes: Africa, North America, South America, Asia, Australia, and West Texas featuring the Elm Creek Backyard exhibit series. This plan was endorsed by the City of Abilene, Abilene Zoological Society, and the Grover Nelson Zoological Foundation. In 2005 development began on a bond initiative for the Abilene Zoo and in 2006 a total bond of $1,100,000 was passed on May 13, 2006, with the City sale of bonds on July 2006 - $410,000 and on August 9, 2007 - $690,000. This bond package provided funding for the growth of the zoo and encompassed the Creepy Crawler Center $75,000, Giraffe exhibit enhancement project - $85,000, a Parking Lot expansion $215,000, the South American Trails - $100,000, the Wetlands Boardwalk and exhibits - $85,000, and the Elm Creek Backyard exhibit series - $475,000 with additional funding from the Grover Nelson Zoological Park Foundation - $525,000 (in 2008). Numerous staffing changes occurred in 2005-08. Joy Harsh was hired as the new Education Curator from Abilene Christian Schools in 2006; Doug Hotle was hired as the Zoo Curator in 2005. In 2007, Bill Baker was hired as the new Zoo Director. Bill had previously worked as the Curator of Hoofed Mammals and Tropical Birds at the Little Rock Zoo and the Director of the Frank Buck Zoo. In 2008, Diane Longenecker was promoted from Area Supervisor – Birds to Zoo Curator when Doug left Abilene to assume the Director’s position at the Texas Zoo. In April 2007 the Zoo increased its gate price admission by the following: $4.00 for adults, $3.00 Sr Citizens (60+), and $2.00 for children. In September, 2007 the Abilene Zoo held its grand opening of the $3.7 million Adventure Center overlooking the Nelson Park Lake to better serve its patrons, staff and animals. The new 12,000 square-foot complex is a three component facility covered in natural materials and native limestone on the exterior and was developed as a joint project between the City of Abilene, Abilene Zoological Society and the Grover Nelson Zoological Park Foundation. The 3,200-square foot visitor services area includes admissions, customer relations, and gift shop. The new administration area provides a significant improvement in infrastructure for the zoo. It houses the zoo offices for animal management and

veterinary staff as well as administrative personnel. In addition, a library and conference room with audio-video components provides educational opportunities for zoo staff. Conservation education goals played a significant role in the development of the education area which is composed of two classrooms with full audio-video capabilities supported by LCD and fiber optic technology and seating for 150 guests. Located adjacent to the classrooms is a self-contained animal holding area with an enclosed outdoor exercise yard and beyond this is the Education staff’s outreach vehicle garage. The capabilities and size of these classrooms also provide the Abilene Zoo with the unique opportunity to either host or develop in-house workshops as well as the potential of hosting conferences for zoological professionals and local organizations. This addition thereby creates not only training opportunities for staff, but increases the overall revenue stream to enhance execution of the master plan developed by WDM Design.