Dear Friends of Potter Park Zoo,
As we approach the end of another incredible year at Potter Park Zoo, we want to take a moment to express our deepest gratitude for your continued support. Your generosity is the driving force behind everything we do, from advancing animal care to enriching our community and strengthening our role as a conservation leader in Lansing and across Michigan.
Welcoming New Additions to the Zoo Family
This year has been especially exciting as we welcomed new and diverse members to our zoo family. Elombe, the magnificent okapi, and Ragnar and Rollo, the charismatic Canadian lynx brothers, have joined us, captivating visitors with their unique personalities. In addition, our commitment to conservation has been further highlighted by the birth of several new arrivals, including three river otter pups, a lemur pup, a red panda cub, and two Magellanic penguin chicks. These new additions remind us of the vital role zoos play in preserving wildlife, and your support ensures we can continue this crucial work.
Upcoming Renovation of the Historic Feline/Primate Building
We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been awarded $10 million by the State of Michigan to renovate our historic Feline/Primate Building. This critical funding will allow us to create modern, comfortable spaces for our animals while improving accessibility and the overall experience for our guests. The renovation will include infrastructure upgrades and habitat enhancements that will benefit iconic species like the Amur tiger and snow leopard. We’re currently in the planning stages, visiting other AZA-accredited facilities to gather insights and ensure we create the best environment possible for both our animals and visitors. Your support is instrumental in making this vision a reality, and we’re excited to continue this journey with you into the coming year.
Hospital Progress Report: Building the Future of Animal Care
Thanks to your unwavering support, we took a monumental step this year by breaking ground on our new Animal Health Facility. This modern veterinary hospital, set to open by the end of 2025, will ensure the highest level of care for our animals. Located near the entrance of the zoo, this facility will offer you and all of our guests a unique opportunity to witness the incredible work of our veterinary team through viewing windows into treatment, surgery, and laboratory rooms. This project is a testament to our commitment to animal welfare and community education, and it would not be possible without you.
Looking Ahead
As we close this year and look ahead, we are filled with excitement and hope. The projects we’ve embarked on and the milestones we’ve achieved are just the beginning of what’s possible with your continued partnership. Your generosity not only allows us to care for the animals at Potter Park Zoo but also empowers us to inspire and educate our community about the importance of conserving these species.
We invite you to continue this journey with us, knowing that every contribution you make has a profound impact. To see ways you can leave your impact, visit us online here.
Together, we can achieve even greater things in the year ahead. Thank you for believing in the mission of Potter Park Zoo and for being a part of our family. We couldn’t do this without you.
P.S. – Want to leave your legacy? Find out more here.