The relocation project, first proposed in 2021, aimed to move the aging Land Park facility to a larger, modern site in Elk Grove near Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway. Photo courtesy of City of Elk Grove

 

ELK GROVE, CA (MPG) - Plans to relocate the Sacramento Zoo to Elk Grove have been officially canceled, bringing an end to years of planning and negotiations.

The announcement was made on April 30via a city news release.

The relocation project, first proposed in 2021, aimed to move the aging Land Park facility to a larger, modern site in Elk Grove near Kammerer Road and Lotz Parkway. Zoo leaders and city officials had hoped the move would address concerns about outdated infrastructure, limited space, and animal welfare at the current location.

The project, initially estimated at $302 million, was to be financed through a combination of Elk Grove city funds, private fundraising, development fees and bond financing. The City of Elk Grove had committed $93 million, largely from its General Fund Reserve, casino payments and community facility district revenues.

According to a city news release, the Sacramento Zoological Society “no longer see the effort to build a new zoo in Elk Grove as viable,” due to concerns over economic uncertainty, construction costs, future operating costs and the scale of the projects first phase, as well as the ability to fund future plans.

According to a FAQ page surrounding the zoo, the event pavilion, permanent classrooms, overnight guest accommodations and Okapi Aviary were cost engineered out of the program. The pavilion and education programs, such as summer camp and guest accommodations, were outlined as revenue-generating items that would have contributed to the profits for the zoo.

“We know this decision may be disappointing to some of our supporters,” Robert Churchill, interim CEO of the Sacramento Zoological Society said. “Please know we considered that fact, and that this was not a decision taken lightly. However, we truly believe that ending the Elk Grove project is the most responsible choice for the long-term sustainability and success of the zoo.”  

The initial phase of the new zoo was also expected to house fewer species than the current zoo in Land Park, 30 species, compared to the 94 at the current location.

“This is a deeply disappointing outcome for all of us who believed in the vision for the zoo and what it could have meant for our community and the region,” Elk Grove Mayor Bobbie Singh-Allen said in a statement. “I want to thank the Sacramento Zoological Society for their partnership over the past several years and for their belief in our City. Despite the decision to discontinue the project, the City of Elk Grove will continue to dream big and pursue projects that will enhance our community and ensure that Elk Grove becomes a regional destination.”

The Sacramento Zoological Society was expected to raise $50 million of the anticipated $80 million in private donations. Additionally, the city planned to issue $114.5 million in bonds, with $7.8 million in annual repayments split between the city and the society.

Over the years, experts and advocates have raised concerns that the Sacramento Zoo, which opened in 1927, is no longer able to meet modern standards for animal care or to accommodate future growth. The current zoo is approximately 15 acres.

Plans for the new site in Elk Grove would have expanded the zoo to 64 acres and included upgraded exhibits and facilities. The project was in the fundraising stage of development before being shelved.

Elk Grove had already invested in early studies, planning and community outreach. Officials say the city will now evaluate alternative uses for the site that had been earmarked for the zoo project.

“We are grateful to the City of Elk Grove and its residents for embracing the bold vision that began our partnership,” society Board Chair Elizabeth Stallard said in the news release. “We are disappointed that we will not be able to realize the dream we shared. However, the Society remains committed to ensuring that this region will continue to have a vibrant and beautiful zoo long into the future.”

The Sacramento Zoological Society is expected to revisit options for improving or redeveloping the current Land Park site. According to the release, the zoo and the city plan to unwind the arrangements between both entities in the coming weeks and months.

Elk Grove leaders plan to consider an alternative option for the site later. 

For more information, visit the Frequently Asked Questions section of the city's website at elkgrove.gov/zoo or the Sacramento Zoo's website at saczoo.org.