Maybe I can donate my sebae....

[Don E]

Hey-

Maybe I can shed some light, as a Zoo employee.

When the mayor announced the aquarium money it took everybody totally by surprise, since there were no plans (as far as any of us rank and file knew) to build an aquarium. Development plans at the zoo right now are 1) re-developing Australia-Nocturnal, opening sometime this spring or summer, 2) reopening the Northern Forest lodge that burnt down, (nearly done) 3) re-developing the Tropical Asia/Elephant building (design concept phase 4) re-developing the old conservatory (design concept) and 5) re-developing the North Gate for a big arctic and maybe antarctic exhibit, which might include marine animals. That also is in very early stages.

That being said, apparently part of the plans for the Australia- Creatures of the Night building do include a reef or some kind of tropical saltwater tank. You might remember there was a small saltwater tank in there with urchins, damsels and a few other things. They want to do something bigger. I'm not sure where those plans are at but the keeper who used to take care of that small tank is very keen on going bigger, as is the curator of live exhibits.

I think it would be very cool to have reef keepers from the community involved. We already have an infrastructure for this through our animal care volunteers program. It would be good for the zoo, as well- some of their reef keeping techniques are dated, in my opinion.

Should I investigate this further? I would be willing to facilitate the process.

don