The Oakland Zoo is a small but dazzling jewel –respected throughout the country for cutting-edge animal management, education, and conservation… and it is ours. Sadly, there has been misinformation about Measure A-1.
Be assured that Measure A-1 is not for any kind of expansion.
Measure A1 reads that by law, the money must be used for animal care, children’s educational programs, and maintaining the Zoo’s affordability. Money can go towards upgrading animal enclosures and repairing animal shelters – but this “construction” has nothing to do with expanding the existing zoo—only for repairing and improving existing ones.
Parcel tax measures, like A-1, are always set up to describe how money will be used, not how it will not be used. However, because of a contingent that confuses Measure A-1 with expanding the Zoo, the Zoo has clarified, on the record, its intent and commitment that no Measure A1 funds will be used for the California Trail expansion construction.
I have volunteered as a docent for the last three years and am constantly blown away by the quality and integrity that I see around me. The zoo is known nationally as tops in animal management, educating Bay Area children, and conservation as well as rescuing animals. All of our tigers and lions are rescues from horrific conditions.
We have a world-class zoo at our doorsteps. Keeping it that way--maintaining the exhibits, animal care, quality education, and entry costs to the public are crucial, and that's where your help comes in.
How lucky we are to have a world-class zoo at our doorsteps. Please vote yes on A-1.
