Land: The cost of land for a zoo can be significant, especially in urban areas. The size of the zoo and the location will determine the land cost.
Construction: The construction of the zoo itself can be a major expense. This includes the cost of buildings, enclosures, landscaping, and other infrastructure.
Animal Care: Animals require specialized care, including food, water, veterinary services, and enrichment activities. The cost of animal care can be significant, especially for larger zoos with a diverse collection of animals.
Staffing: A zoo requires a variety of staff, including zookeepers, veterinarians, administrative personnel, and security personnel. The cost of staffing can be a major ongoing expense.
Permits and Regulations: Zoos are subject to a variety of permits and regulations, both at the local and federal level. The cost of obtaining these permits and complying with regulations can add to the overall cost of building a zoo.
Fundraising: Building a zoo often requires fundraising efforts to cover the costs associated with land acquisition, construction, and ongoing operations. This can be a time-consuming and challenging process.
To give you a rough estimate, the cost of building a small to medium-sized zoo can range from several million dollars to over a hundred million dollars or even more. Larger zoos, such as the San Diego Zoo, have construction costs that can exceed several hundred million dollars.
