Toledo Zoo Aquarium Closes Oct. 1 For Major Renovations
The Toledo Zoo’s historic Aquarium will temporarily close on Monday, October 1 for major renovations. The Aquarium is scheduled to reopen in the first half of 2015.
Constructed as one of the final Works Progress Administration (WPA) era projects at the Zoo, the Aquarium opened to the public in May, 1939. Nearly 75 years of service, plus exposure to the corrosive effects of saltwater, have taken a toll on the historic building. A recent evaluation determined that extensive renovations would be required to restore the Aquarium’s structural integrity.
“We are creating a richer, more tactile experience for visitors with this renovation as well as updating the Aquarium with modern technology,” Jeff Sailer, the Zoo’s executive director said. “At the same time, we’re preserving the exterior of this historic WPA-era building.”
In August, visitors celebrated the coming changes with an Aquarium Bon Voyage celebration. The event included a preview of the new Aquarium’s features, showcasing touch tanks, pop-up domes inside exhibits and expansive floor-to-ceiling tanks. Funding for the $25 million project will come mostly from the 2006 capital levy Lucas County voters approved; the remainder will come from private donations.
“This is good news for the region, which will benefit from the jobs generated by this project, and it is good news for Zoo visitors who will gain an Aquarium unlike anything that has been possible until this point,” Mr. Sailer said. “We realize 2015 seems far away, but we’re confident that, once you see the new Aquarium, you’ll agree that it was worth the wait.”
In October, the Toledo Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Zoo is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, please visit toledozoo.org or call 419.385.4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. ID showing proof of residency is required.The Toledo Zoo’s historic Aquarium will temporarily close on Monday, October 1 for major renovations. The Aquarium is scheduled to reopen in the first half of 2015.
Constructed as one of the final Works Progress Administration (WPA) era projects at the Zoo, the Aquarium opened to the public in May, 1939. Nearly 75 years of service, plus exposure to the corrosive effects of saltwater, have taken a toll on the historic building. A recent evaluation determined that extensive renovations would be required to restore the Aquarium’s structural integrity.
“We are creating a richer, more tactile experience for visitors with this renovation as well as updating the Aquarium with modern technology,” Jeff Sailer, the Zoo’s executive director said. “At the same time, we’re preserving the exterior of this historic WPA-era building.”
In August, visitors celebrated the coming changes with an Aquarium Bon Voyage celebration. The event included a preview of the new Aquarium’s features, showcasing touch tanks, pop-up domes inside exhibits and expansive floor-to-ceiling tanks. Funding for the $25 million project will come mostly from the 2006 capital levy Lucas County voters approved; the remainder will come from private donations.
“This is good news for the region, which will benefit from the jobs generated by this project, and it is good news for Zoo visitors who will gain an Aquarium unlike anything that has been possible until this point,” Mr. Sailer said. “We realize 2015 seems far away, but we’re confident that, once you see the new Aquarium, you’ll agree that it was worth the wait.”
In October, the Toledo Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Zoo is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, please visit toledozoo.org or call 419.385.4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. ID showing proof of residency is required.
The Toledo Zoo is committed to inspiring others to join in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. As part of that mission, The Toledo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a leader in global wildlife conservation. AZA member institutions are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and a better future for all living things.
The Toledo Zoo is committed to inspiring others to join in caring for animals and conserving the natural world. As part of that mission, The Toledo Zoo is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), a leader in global wildlife conservation. AZA member institutions are dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and a better future for all living things.
Press Release Contact Name: Kandace York
Press Release Contact Email: [email protected]
Organization Name: Toledo Zoo
Organization Address: Toledo