(Des Moines, IA) -- The Des Moines Blank Park Zoo is planning it's largest-ever expansion and renovation. The zoo's planning to raise $18 (M) million for the project, which is expected to begin this summer.
Two-thirds of the funding in the "Expand the Impact" campaign is coming from the Iowa Economic Development Authority's Destination Iowa program, Ruan Foundation, Marjorie A. Foster, Nationwide Foundation and the City of Des Moines.
Ruan Foundation Wild Iowa is the first component of the project. It will include the Nationwide Foundation Bald Eagles. Each space will highlight the animal in its natural habitat and demonstrate their connection to the environment. The Blank Park Zoo will also be making improvements to Hub Harbor. This includes an expanded seal and sea lion building, a saltwater life support system and additional shade.
The campaign also includes the Marjorie A. Foster Lion Conservation Center and a remodeled tiger facility. The Marjorie A. Foster Lion Conservation Center triples the space dedicated to lion conservation. It will allow guests to connect with a pride of lions from three different viewing experiences, each designed with an inclusive lens and featuring glass from floor to ceiling. The plan also includes the new Joseph Stage in the center of the Zoo, which opens this spring for events and education programming.