FRANKFORT, Ky. – When completed, the Louisville Zoo’s Glacier Run exhibit won’t just be a world-class home for polar bears, seals and sea lions.
It will be an economic boost for Louisville and the state, zoo officials told members of the General Assembly’s Economic Development and Tourism Committee Sunday.
"Every time there’s a new project, especially a big project, we get a real pickup in attendance of 15, 20 or 25 percent. We’re expecting that with Glacier Run," said Gary L. Stewart, Louisville Zoo Foundation board member.
Annual attendance at the zoo is expected to top 900,000 once Glacier Run is fully open. "A million in attendance is not out of reach at all," Stewart said.
In addition to raising revenue for the zoo, the rising number of visitors will provide a boost for city and state government, Stewart said.
"State tax revenue would be up nearly $2 million and local revenue would be up about $1 million. This truly is an investment in an economic project that will have a great return and great dividends for the local and commonwealth’s economy."
Portions of the Glacier Run exhibit have already opened, including a splash park. Last year, construction started on a replica of an arctic village that will include a schoolhouse that offers interactive learning experiences. In 2010, sea lions and seals will be added to the exhibit. In 2011, the polar bears exhibit will open, said John T. Walczak, the zoo’s executive director.
Amusement venues need a new attraction every three to five years to avoid a drop-off in attendance, Stewart said. "And we can expect that kind of decline if we don’t move ahead enthusiastically with this project."
The zoo has already raised about $23.5 million for the exhibit, but still needs to raise another $5.6 million. It is asking the state to pledge $4 million to the project.
"When we started six years ago, we requested $6 million. With the success we’ve had in other fund-raising efforts and Louisville Metro stepping up beyond its original pledge, we now would be comfortable with a $4 million pledge from the state to allow us to compete the project," Stewart said. "… We’re going to complete this one way or another. But the sooner we complete the project the more quickly we see the economic benefits."
In response to a question from Rep. Jim Gooch, D-Providence, about the approach Glacier Run will take in educating students about the environment and causes of threats to polar bears, Walczak responded that the exhibit will offer scientific information, such as the fact that the number of polar bears in the arctic has declined from 26,000, 10 years ago to 20,000 today.
"What we share with children is objective scientific information and we always leave them with a way that they can be part of the solution to make the world a healthier place," he said.
Rep. Kevin Bratcher, R-Louisville, asked zoo officials for an update on the June accident at the zoo in which a small train carrying visitors overturned and injured 22 riders.
"The accident is still pending investigation," Walczak said. "We’re working completely and cooperatively with (state investigators.) Right now, the ride’s not in operation. The outcome of the future of the ride is pending investigation."
The closing of the train ride has resulted in about $200,000 in lost revenue for the zoo, Stewart said.
Rep. John "Bam" Carney, R-Campbellsville, noted that economic constraints are making it harder for many schools to afford class field trips and suggested that the zoo provide "virtual lessons’ to classes across the state.
Walczak responded that the zoo has offered distance learning and wants to expand its offerings, in addition to offering a "Zoo to You" program that educates thousands of schoolchildren in the state.
