Como Zoo's big cats could soon see some serious home improvements, if legislators next year approve the zoo's $22 million bonding request to revamp their habitat.
Zoo officials presented their proposal last week to a visiting contingent of lawmakers from the House Capital Investment Committee. The project would include new spaces for the zoo's lions, tigers, cougars, snow leopards and wolves, including glassed-in areas allowing visitors to get nose-to-nose views of the animals.
The project would repair pedestrian bridges between the lion and tiger areas that need fixing, according to a recent structural survey. The bridges were closed in July 2022 for eight months, limiting visitors' access to the cats.
The zoo also is seeking $30 million in state bonding to redesign the Como Lakeside Pavilion and redevelop the surrounding landscape.
Zoo officials told visiting lawmakers that the funding would provide their big cats with "world class" housing, a stimulating environment and more room outside the exhibit area, along with veterinarian care and behavioral training.
The project would also address visitor accessibility issues with steps and long sloped walkways.
![Patrons looked down at Maji in the lion enclosure from a bridge built on temporary scaffolding Tuesday, November 21, 2023, at The Como Zoo in St. Paul, Minn. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ • carlos.gonzalez@startribune.com](https://arc.stimg.co/startribunemedia/OHHXPQBTQ4RD4X3FKQN6MHVPGI.jpg?&w=712)
Because the zoo does not charge for admission, state funding is essential, said Director Michelle Furrer.
Como Zoo draws more than 2 million visitors annually, nearly half of whom come from the metro area, Furrer said. She added that the zoo annually produces more than $162 million in local economic impact.