Nashville Zoo Supporters Match City of Nashville’s $10M Gift

Nashville, TN – Nashville Zoo is proud to announce that it has matched the City of Nashville’s $10M investment challenge. As a thank you to the city, the Zoo will be offering a Buy-One-Get-One free admission promotion to all guests Sunday December 7th through Friday, December 12th, as well as complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate.

Nashville’s $10 million investment in the Zoo was approved earlier this year as part of the city’s capital funding budget and was contingent upon the Zoo’s ability to match the funds with privately raised funds.

“Thanks to individual and foundation support, the Zoo was able to reach the $10M mark within five months of the year-long challenge,” said Rick Schwartz, Nashville Zoo President. “We want to thank Mayor Karl Dean and the Metro Council for their confidence in our ability to raise this funding. Their support speaks volumes to the Zoo’s role in making our city a world-class destination and is fundamental as we move forward with our Grow Wild capital campaign.”

The city’s investment will be used for infrastructural improvements that are part of a long-term plan to expand the Zoo. Construction has already begun on a new entry plaza, entrance road and Andean bear exhibit.

“Metro Government is proud of our investment in the Nashville Zoo, and we are proud to partner with them in their next phase of development,” Mayor Dean said. “With the city’s investment to improve infrastructure at the Zoo – along with private contributions to add animal exhibits and enhance other services – I see the Nashville Zoo becoming the kind of world-class destination our residents deserve and tourists will visit.”

The Buy-One-Get-One free promotion runs December 7th – 12th from 9:00am to 4:00pm. Complimentary popcorn and hot chocolate will be available to all guests as a special thanks to our membership base who already receive free admission.

About the Nashville Zoo

Nashville Zoo is accredited by the prestigious Association of Zoos and Aquariums, assuring the highest standards of animal care and husbandry. Attracting more than 776,000 visitors annually, the Zoo is considered one of the top things to do in Nashville. The Zoo is a non-profit organization located at 3777 Nolensville Pike and is open every day except Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Day.

The mission of Nashville Zoo is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership.

For more information about Nashville Zoo, call 615.833.1534 or visit www.nashvillezoo.org