Phase One includes penguin exhibit (Supplied by City of Moncton)
Moncton City Council has given the green light to continue pursuing expansion plans at the Magnetic Hill Zoo over three phases.
Zoo director Jill Marvin and two consultants unveiled a master plan and feasibility study to City Council during a Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday.
Phase One, estimated to cost $7.6 million, is called Safari Camp and includes improvements to the lion habitat, changes to the African entry area and creating a penguin exhibit.
The target date to complete Phase One is 2024 and the project will ultimately depend on funding from all three levels of government.
The longer term plan includes Phase Two, estimated at $11.2 million, called Safari Adventure with new habitats for flamingos, otters and primates.
Phase Three is called Safari Lodge with new habitats for monkeys, hogs and wild dogs which doesn’t yet have a cost estimate.
Moncton deputy mayor Charles Leger believes it would be a worthwhile investment.
“Because I think that it is an asset that New Brunswick and the Atlantic Provinces have and I think it’s time we put some investment in and I think this is an opportunity again.”
While zoos may have some critics, Leger believes the Magnetic Hill Zoo has a lot to offer.
“It has the potential for education, the potential for conservation and the potential for people to realize that these animals exist and they need to be taken care of.”
Consultants have said there is a risk that revenues and attendance may be affected if the City does not reinvest in the Zoo.
Council approved a motion directing city staff to provide more information on the expansion including an economic impact study.
