The zoo is planning on new exhibits featuring lions, gorillas, penguins and Andean bears, among others. Details of the $160 million expansion were released last week and include more than doubling the number of animals. Officials say they hope to complete the project by 2020.
Zoo President Rick Schwartz told The Tennessean that the expansion is expected to boost attendance to 1.2 million visitors, an increase of more than 50 percent.
Along with the announcement, zoo officials also launched an effort to raise private funds for the project. So far, the zoo has raised $28 million in commitments, including $15 million from the city.
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