First new U.S. zoo construction project in 25 years coming to Midland
Lions and tigers and bears -- oh my!
A new zoo is coming to Midland as the nation's first construction zoo project in 25 years, originally reported by the Midland Reporter-Telegram.
Zoo Midland, Inc. announced the new project last week on Facebook. According to its website, Zoo Midland is a "nonprofit project dedicated to providing fun and highly interactive experiences, bringing you closer to extraordinary animals and nature’s wonders."
With hopes to break ground early next year and plans to complete construction and be open to the public by mid-2027, Zoo Midland will offer a range of distinctive habitats, including a savanna, farm and treetops with a possible expansion for an aquarium, according to the Reporter-Telegram.
The zoo falls under the Preserve at Midland project on the former Nueva Vista Golf Club site. The project seeks to reduce environmental impact with an emphasis of preserving up to 44% of the property for green space and park space with native grasses and flora to provide habitat for local wildlife.
Previously, Midland was home to the Cole Park Zoo, which shuddered its doors in 1977.
Other zoos nearby include the Abilene Zoo, about 150 miles to the east, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens State Park in Carlsbad New Mexico, about 150 miles to the west, and the Amarillo Zoo, 240 miles north in the Panhandle.
This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: 1st U.S. zoo construction project in 25 years coming to Midland Texas
