3 Possibilities On Deck Since Zoo Must Walk

Walk in the Wild officials are considering at least three possible sites for a new zoo, and hope to decide on one by the end of the month.

“We’re zeroing in on a couple of places,” said zoo manager Frances Drake. “When something happens, it will be quick.”

After 23 years of free rent, the zoo is losing its lease on 81 acres in the Spokane Valley. Its landlord, Inland Empire Paper Co., says the zoo can stay put until the end of the year. It can stay longer if zoo officials find a new home and need time to build exhibits.

The paper company tried earlier this year to give the land to Spokane County so the zoo would not have to move. The deal died because county commissioners would not guarantee to preserve the land for recreation.

Now, the zoo must move or close.

Drake gave few specifics about sites the beleaguered zoo is considering.

One possible site, worth about $1 million, is west of Spokane, she said. Its owners are zoo supporters who would be willing to carry a contract.

“They’re willing to help in any way they can,” Drake said.

Another possibility is land that may be offered as a gift and a third is land that could be leased, she said.

Drake said none of the sites is as close to downtown as she had hoped. Supporters contend the 20-minute drive from downtown has hurt the zoo’s ability to raise money.

Drake said Walk in the Wild probably would remain open in the Valley while money is raised to build a new zoo on whichever site is selected.

Raising enough money for exhibits, buildings and other necessities is sure to be a problem.

Drake estimates the zoo would need to spend $2 million before it could move. More than $5 million has been invested at ZooMontana in Billings, where most exhibits have not yet opened.

“It’s going to be a massive effort to raise this money and I think we can do it,” said Drake, who raised money for Idaho Public Radio before coming to the zoo in January.

So far, Walk in the Wild has one pledge of $100,000 from a supporter whom Drake won’t identify.

A private, non-profit organization, the zoo doesn’t get tax money. Its most successful fund-raiser, in 1992, raised $113,000.

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MEMO: Walk in the Wild, 12600 E. Euclid, is open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day through Labor Day. Admission is $3.75 for adults; $3.25 for students and senior citizens; $2.25 for ages 3 to 12. Kids younger than 3 are admitted free.