Reader comments
Hogle Zoo requesting $65 million bond

while i am not in favor of using public money for sports stadiums i am very much in favor of public money being spent on things such as zoo's, aquariums, and performance art's. these things add a quality of life aspect that combines private donations as well as public. the zoo has been actively seeking donations from the public sector and has made great strides in making sure that this time around they have a much stronger position and a much better image. i would urge the council to allow all residents to have the opportunity to say yes or no for themselves.

Remember, if the zoo makes all these improvements with tax payer dollars, then we will get what we pay for, a zoo that will cost at least $15 bucks per person to get in the door, if not more. You can't expect that these "improvements" wont come with a hefty increase in the entrance fee. I don't mind the zoo wanting to improve. I just want to see them do an exhibit or something on their own first. Let them raise the funds, on their own, build the new facility, on their own and then come ask the taxpayers for money. So far every big new project they have built they have used tax payer money. ZAP $$ paid for the entry way and SLC residents paid for the elephant and tiger improvements. SLC residents would be taxed for a THIRD time if this goes thru. I vote NO, NO, NO!!!!!

The Hogle zoo could really be amazing if this bond were approved. Just look at the recent improvements they have made: elephant encounter and Asian highlands are both incredible exhibits and allow unique and exciting ways to see and learn about the animals. This bond could solidify the zoo as a great destination for not only county residents but those across the state and from neighboring states. That would not only generate other revenue for surrounding businesses but also improve the positive image of both SLC and Utah in general. A small price to pay for a huge improvement to a worthy organization. Vote Yes!

I agree, the bond money could improve the zoo tremendously. But as the anonymous poster stated, those improvements come with a price. The zoo would be improved but it would be out of the price range of the average family. Right now it costs $16 for two adults and another $16 to get four kids through the front door. Then you have to shell out more money for food, for the train ride, for the carousel, for trinkets to take home and such. By the end of the day you could be talking $100 bucks. Now, if the zoo prices increase, even just $5 each, hardly any families out there would be able to go to the "new" zoo more than once every couple of years.