03/16/2025
🚨 Exciting News for the Future of the North Alabama Zoo! 🚨
We just received the results of a new feasibility and market analysis study from Canopy Strategic Partners , one of the top zoo advisory firms in the country. Their findings confirm what we’ve believed all along—Greater Huntsville is primed for a zoo, and it’s surprising we don’t have one yet!
📢 Here’s what the study found:
✅ Even with just an average performance, the North Alabama Zoo would be self-sustaining and bring in millions of dollars to the community.
✅ It would directly support 92 jobs and, according to a previous UAH economic impact study, create 650+ additional jobs in the community.
✅ A new study was necessary to reassess the economic climate—and the results show that our initial study from 6 years ago actually underestimated the zoo’s potential success!
We’ve been reworking the funding model and are approaching public leaders with this better version to construct the zoo. Some members of the public have asked if private investment would be a better option. Here’s why that won’t work:
❌ Huntsville isn’t affluent enough to construct a zoo privately at the scale needed for success.
❌ Private zoos prioritize investor profits, leading to high ticket prices and often poor animal care—which eventually results in financial struggles and closures.
❌ Successful zoos across the U.S. follow a proven public-nonprofit partnership model. This approach ensures long-term success, accessibility, and economic impact. In fact, the North Alabama Zoo is projected to bring $117 million into the community over 6 years!
A zoo isn’t just about animals—it’s about education, economic growth, and creating a lasting legacy for North Alabama. We’re committed to making this happen the right way—with a model that benefits everyone.
Join us in bringing a world-class zoo to North Alabama! 🦁🐘🦓