Zoo, aviary ask public to OK bonds

Two Salt Lake institutions with long, intertwined histories meet again next month on the general election ballot — and both are proffering tin cups they hope will be filled with public funding through approval of their bond proposals despite deep national and local economic uncertainty.

Hogle Zoo and Tracy Aviary are asking Salt Lake County residents to place a stamp of approval on two funding proposals they will use to make capital improvements to their Salt Lake City facilities.

The zoo's Proposition 2 is seeking $33 million, the lion's share of which will go toward construction of a new arctic exhibit and the first phase of a home for animals from the African savannah.

The aviary will spend its requested $19.6 million in Proposition 1 to repair and renovate aging exhibits, expand indoor space and add new exhibits.

Representatives of both facilities recognize the unfortunate timing of their supplications in the midst of widespread financial upheaval, but both say they represent local, affordable, family recreational and educational outlets well-suited to tough times.

Hogle spokeswoman Holly Braithwaite said zoo officials feel and understand the impact of their request amid the current state of the economy, and want voters to know the institution takes its responsibility to the public very seriously.

"We know we're asking for money, and it's a big deal, and we would never ask lightly," Braithwaite said. "It's important to have affordable family activities close to home, and really important that we have educational and recreational resources that provide that. ... And that's why we're going to use this money well and be good stewards of the funds."

The aviary's executive director, Tim Brown, echoed Braithwaite's sentiment, noting the bird sanctuary fulfills a much needed role during times when money is tight.

"This funding allows the aviary to expand an already dynamic education connection with the community, through our elementary schools program, and offer year-round, affordable family recreation," Brown said. "Voters should know that efficient, responsible use of these funds is an utmost priority."

Both institutions have financed their most recent improvements through previous public bond proposals. Salt Lake City voters, in 2003, approved funding that allocated $10.2 million to the zoo and $1.1 million to the aviary. The fruits of those seeds were a new "Destination Argentina" exhibit at the aviary and the zoo's additions of the "Elephant Encounters" and "Asian Highlands" exhibits.