PORTLAND, Ore. — The Metro Council voted Thursday to put a $380 million bond measure on the May 2024 ballot, which would go towards improvements at the Oregon Zoo.
The decision is backed by a majority of public testimony during Thursday's meeting at the zoo, with many supporters providing the council with reasons to invest, including animal well-being, wildlife conservation, education and the zoo’s impact on the region’s economy and culture.
In 2008, a $128 million bond passed by voters transformed 40% of the zoo’s campus, including new habitats for polar bears, elephants, chimpanzees and condors. It also went towards a new veterinary medical center and expanded educational spaces.
“The things that are left to do are just as important,” Metro Councilor Christine Lewis said. “Particularly to being top-of-the-line when it comes to animal health and well-being."
Zoo staff said “Phase 2” would focus on areas not improved by the 2008 bond. The new measure would go towards the penguin and sea otter habitats which are located in the zoo's oldest area, dating back to the 1950s. It would also focus on improving the zoo’s Africa area and expanding indoor space.
The measure would not increase current tax rates, according to a news release from the zoo. The average estimated rate for the new measure is 8.5 cents per $1,000 of assessed value. That equates to approximately $1.95 per month for the owner of a home assessed at $275,000.
Priority investments were identified from a new long-range zoo campus plan which was developed over 18 months by stakeholders, zoo staff and animal health experts. The Metro Council approved the plan concepts in October 2023.
If voters pass the measure in May, the zoo’s staff will prepare a detailed implementation plan and outline specific improvements by fall 2024.