Tulsa Zoo Asks City For Nearly $40 Million Through Next 'Improve Our Tulsa' Package

The Tulsa Zoo is asking the city for nearly $40 million to make some big behind-the-scenes improvements.

The zoo hopes to be part of the next Improve Our Tulsa package, which funds infrastructure needs across the city.

The Tulsa Zoo said as a 95-year-old attraction, it's in need of a few face lifts.

President and CEO Lindsay Hutchison met with city councilors Wednesday, to ask for $37.6 million dollars.

While the zoo receives a lot of donations, it is owned by the city.

"We just know with our donor base, and donor fatigue and all the other projects that are over budget, we aren't going to be able to go out and find someone to fund the HVAC system, or a new roof system or a water filtration system. Donor fatigue is real, and we need to acknowledge that,” Hutchinson told the council.

Councilors asked questions about different funding options.

"Are there state or federal funds that zoos can grant write for, and are y'all doing that?” District 7 Councilor Lori Decter Wright asked.

"Yes we are looking at all of our options,” Hutchison replied.

The zoo said for the last decade, several roofs have needed constant repairs, and about $5 million would fix that problem.

The zoo said one of its main priorities is making repairs at the Rainforest, including a new HVAC system, water filtration system, and electrical panel.

Another need, the zoo said, is to make the Children's Zoo ADA compliant.

"It would break my heart if someone could come in and not fully participate in the petting zoo. And that's what we've been hearing from people,” Hutchison said.

The city said the entire Improve Our Tulsa package is expected to be more than $600 million dollars, and would not raise taxes.

City councilors and the mayor plan to finalize details on the Improve Our Tulsa package sometime this spring, and put it before voters in the summer.