In 2003, Salt Lake voters approved a $10.2 million general-obligation bond for zoo upgrades. Seventy percent of voters approved the bond, which paid for the Elephant Encounters exhibit in 2005 and the Asian Highlands exhibit in 2006. The zoo's entry plaza was also redone in 2001.

Salt Lake County Councilman Joe Hatch is the county's representative on the zoo board and praises the improvements.

"The zoo several years ago was in deep trouble, and it has dramatically turned around," Hatch said. "Dinsmore has been a very much key to that transformation. I think it took him a few years to get his legs and feel it, but once it became clear, the appropriate balance between public and private, I think he's been an absolute major force in changing the environment. It's now one of the better cultural facilities in the state. It's got a healthy future."

Zoo leaders are now looking towards a capital campaign to raise some much-needed dollars from individuals and businesses.

The zoo's master plan is being updated this year and calls for another nine to 10 significant projects. First is redoing the polar-bear exhibit, which was shut down in 2003 after polar bear Andy swallowed a glove tossed into his cage and died. Next, the zoo wants to create an African Savannah exhibit, a new area for penguins, and a tropical habitat facility that would replace the current small-animal building.

"A hallmark of our future plans is Hogle Zoo will over time have fewer animals and large spaces for those animals, larger homes. That's really key," Dinsmore said.

The zoo is funded through an appropriation from the Legislature, tax funds through the Zoo, Arts and Parks (ZAP) program and private donations. But it's not enough for the multimillion-dollar exhibits.

"In the end, our future is a product of not only our commitment internally, but the commitment of the community to have a great zoo. If they don't want it, it doesn't matter how badly we want it. We don't have the money," Dinsmore said. "Hogle Zoo should be one of the priorities for the community to improve and develop. They've said so for 75 years. So why not now?"

Sen. Carlene Walker, R-Cottonwood Heights, said Dinsmore has support among state legislators for any funding needs.

Walker, who serves on Hogle's board, said her relationship was originally rocky with Dinsmore. She served as chair of the state appropriations committee that in 2001 questioned why the zoo would spend $5.8 million to put up a new entry pavilion, especially when the zoo had been discussing moving from the Emigration Canyon site. Because of that issue, the Legislature required a state audit of the zoo.

"We kind of started out as adversaries and have ended up as allies and friends," she said. "There is a true, long-term vision, and Craig is the true visionary behind that."

Dinsmore credits the changes at the zoo to the combined efforts of staff, the board and the community.

Hogle Zoo is planning a special exhibit this summer and an endangered-species carousel for 2008. The zoo also is considering a holiday lights festival during Christmas time, although Dinsmore isn't completely sold on the idea.

"I have to be focused on the bottom line," he said. "But I'm still a zookeeper at heart. My love is the animals. That's what keeps me doing this."

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E-mail: astowell@desnews.com