Phoenix Zoo urges public to donate to meet $6.2M goal for new veterinary medical center
Sep 17, 2024, 4:25 AM
The Phoenix Zoo is urging the public to donate to support a new medical center for exotic animals. (Phoenix Zoo Photo/via Facebook)
(Phoenix Zoo Photo/via Facebook)
PHOENIX — The Phoenix Zoo wants to create a new veterinary medical center — and it needs the public’s help to fund the project.
The 27,800-square-foot medical facility would allow guests to watch veterinary exams in real time. Indoor viewing windows and digital screens would show live animal health procedures.
On top of that, it would include classrooms along with collaborative workspaces to encourage aspiring wildlife veterinarians.
Zoo officials expect to break ground early next year. They expect to complete construction in late 2026.
The zoo has already raised $19 million to support the new veterinary medical center. However, it needs a further $6.2 million to meet the goal of $25 million.
Phoenix Zoo needs support for new veterinary medical center
Phoenix Zoo CEO Bert Castro said he’s grateful to the philanthropy and generosity of those supporting the project.
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“As a nonprofit, we rely solely on donations to make these exciting projects come to fruition,” Castro said in a Monday press release.
That extends to the construction team building the new veterinary medical center.
“Sundt Construction is supporting this endeavor through building the project at cost, which is an enormous savings to the overall cost of the new center,” Castro said.
Now, he’s hoping everyday Arizonans will show similar generosity.
“We are hoping with the public’s help now, we will be able to complete the goal for this amazing center and will break ground in January,” Castro said.
Where and how to help Phoenix Zoo build new medical center
The veterinary medical center will pop up along the zoo’s outer Africa Trail. This walkway is near the Arthur L. and Elaine V. Johnson Conservation Center.
The new center will link these two facilities, creating a two-story Animal Care and Conservation Campus.
One way visitors can contribute is by rounding up their purchases throughout the zoo, including the gift shop.
Animal lovers can also help out by donating online.
