From Deseret News archives:
Voters OK funds for Hogle Zoo, Tracy Aviary
In spite of garnering similar levels of majority approval, the campaigns leading up to the vote couldn't have been more different.
The zoo poured hundreds of thousands of dollars into its effort, including the use of a pricey public relations firm, while the aviary had virtually no campaign budget and relied on a ground-level approach to getting its message out. Aviary spokesman Paul Svendsen said he couldn't be happier that people heard, and responded to, the aviary's dire financial straits.
"We didn't have the luxury of spending a lot of money to communicate with voters," Svendsen said. "We did what we had to do, getting the word out in a grassroots campaign that, fortunately, the public responded to."
The aviary will refurbish and renovate its existing facility, add new exhibits and increase its indoor space dramatically, allowi- ng it to greatly expand its education programs.
Hogle Zoo director Craig Dinsmore said Tuesday night, while vote tallies were still coming in, that he was cautiously optimistic the public had spoken very much in favor of the zoo's plans.
"I certainly am encouraged about the early results," Dinsmore said. "What I hope is transpiring here is an affirmation by the public ... that our facility is worthy of their continued support."
Dinsmore said he feels the zoo proved its fiscal responsibility in the efficient use of $10.2 million in public funding approved by Salt Lake City voters in 2003 that was used to create the "Elephant Encounters" and "Asian Highlands" exhibits.
The aviary also benefited from that election, receiving a $1.1 million city bond that went toward a South American bird exhibit called "Destination Argentina."
Both institutions are required to achieve private fundraising goals to secure the entire amounts of their bonds. For the zoo, $11 million, and for the aviary, $1.5 million. Dinsmore said the zoo has already raised about $5.5 million and Svendsen said an anonymous donation about a month ago put the aviary half-way to its obligation.
With about two-thirds of Salt Lake County precincts reporting, the zoo had was winning 72 percent to 28 percent, and the aviary had a 68 percent to 32 percent approval rate.
E-mail: araymond@desnews.com
