HUNTSVILLE- The North Alabama Zoological Society (NALZS) has been tirelessly working toward the
realization of a significant community project: the establishment of the North Alabama Zoo. For over
four years, NALZS has engaged in extensive research, intentional community discussion, and many
fundraising efforts to bring our vision – “A zoo for you, North Alabama” – to life. This project promises to
enrich the region both culturally and economically.
In collaboration with Limestone County leaders, NALZS has spent more than a year and a half developing
a comprehensive funding proposal for Phase 1 of the zoo project. We based this proposal on thorough
research into other successful funding models for family enrichment facilities throughout the country.
We then tailored this project to the unique opportunities presented by Limestone County’s location and
resources.
In conducting our research into how other zoos were established, NALZS has been fully aware that
public funding would be essential for the large-scale nature of this project. With the aim of minimizing
the financial burden on our community, we diligently explored every possible alternative before
acknowledging that, indeed, public funding is crucial to achieve our goal. This has been the recipe how
other great zoos in the United States have started and the approach mirrors the successful
establishment of other local attractions in recent years, reflecting a broader trend towards public
investment in community assets.
We deeply appreciate our patrons, whose generous donation support has been essential and will
continue to be essential in advancing our educational and conservation efforts. This support has also
enabled us to lay a solid foundation for the zoo project. All this has been done without the
establishment of a brick-and-mortar facility. Now, the time has come to give the community what it has
asked for and deserves – a center of education, conservation, and community enrichment at the North
Alabama Zoo. It is clear that public funding is the path to achieving this.
Limestone County was chosen as the project site for its strategic benefits, such as its proximity to major
tourism corridors and relative land value affordability. As the fastest-growing county in Alabama,
Limestone County is an ideal location for a new zoo that could serve as a remarkable addition to the
county’s amenities. Although we know the zoo will offer substantial quality of life improvements to all
citizens of North Alabama, we have secured significant benefits specifically for Limestone County
residents.
From the outset, both NALZS and county leaders have prioritized community participation in the
decision to move forward with the zoo. We feel it would be unfair to enlist local tax support without
ensuring the final decision rests in the hands of Limestone County residents.
A coalition comprising members of the Limestone County Legislative Delegation and Limestone County
Commission was formed to facilitate the inclusion of this referendum on the ballot in the upcoming
general election. However, a small number within the coalition are hesitant to allow the Limestone
County citizens to decide whether the project should advance.
“We are deeply grateful for the leaders and coalition members who support this project and the
democratic process,” said NALZS past board chair, Keeley Sykes. “While we work to gain legislative
support, we are passionate about giving the county residents an opportunity to exercise their right to
vote on matters that impact their community. As a longtime Limestone County resident, I know our
constituents believe in the transformative potential of having our own zoo, and their testimonies,
thoughts, and wishes deserve to be heard. We remain hopeful and will continue to work tirelessly to
bring this opportunity to the public to decide.”
NALZS calls upon Limestone County residents to join in this effort, demonstrating the collective will to
make the North Alabama Zoo a reality. Tell your friends, leave us a testimonial, and make your voice
heard in this ongoing discussion. We will provide more information on how you can help bring the North
Alabama Zoo to ballot in the upcoming days. For more information about our programs, zoo project, or
to support our efforts through a donation, visit our website at www.NALZS.org.
Media Release/North Alabama Zoological Society
