'Potential to be the best in Texas': Abilene Zoo applies for grant to restore, develop dry Grover Nelson Park land

Written By: KTAB/KRBC

Date: July 21, 2022

'Potential to be the best in Texas': Abilene Zoo applies for grant to restore, develop dry Grover Nelson Park land cover image

Parkhill continues to be involved in the design, preservation, and expansion of the Abilene Zoo including the Giraffe Exhibit in 2013, the Madagascar Exhibit in 2021, a 10-year master plan 2022, and now potential grant opportunities. The America the Beautiful grant has presented itself as another opportunity for continued preservation and growth of the zoo.

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) – Just beyond Tittle Lake in Grover Nelson Park lies Middle and North Lakes – both completely dry. But the area has the capability to look completely different in the coming years.

These lakes could look a little something like this:

The Abilene Zoo said it will apply for a federal grant for the first time. The America the Beautiful grant would potentially restore the dry area, turning the dry lakes into natural grasslands and wetlands.

“We’ve been looking for ways to restore habitats around the zoo,” said Clary Carabajal, Supervisor of Conservation at the Abilene Zoo. He said the master plan has made them grow, now having the ability to do apply for this sort of grant. 

“If this master plan has shown us anything, it’s shown us that this zoo has the potential to be the best in Texas,” Carabajal said.

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