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Visitors, residents have mixed feelings about potential zoo move

8 years 3 weeks 2 days ago Friday, March 25 2016 Mar 25, 2016 March 25, 2016 6:52 PM March 25, 2016 in News
Source: WBRZ
By: WBRZ Staff

BATON ROUGE - With a plan to consider moving the Baton Rouge Zoo on the table, people who visit are starting to wonder if the zoo will actually relocate and whether or not it will be a convenient choice.

Ginger Roy of Zachary says the zoo is already in good location.

"On a beautiful day like this, it's a great to come right up the road. We're in Zachary, so it's ten minutes away," said Roy.

The zoo is also convenient for Ann Houston of Baton Rouge. 

"My mom actually brings my daughter once a week," said Houston.

A consulting firm is recommending the zoo move to one of two new locations, so it can be expanded and attract more visitors. One location is on Airline Highway near the Blue Bayou Water Park and the second location is on Highway 30 near Bluebonnet Boulevard. No matter if the zoo stays where it is or moves, the consulting firm says the investment cost is $110-million dollars.

Residents living in Bluebonnet Highlands have mixed feelings about the zoo possibly moving near their neighborhood.

"With the little ones, we like to go there as much as possible," said Jacob Chapman, who likes the idea of having a zoo close to his house.

Obed Terrazas agrees it would be nice for the kids, but worries about the extra traffic.

"They're probably going to have to be working more on their streets because we're going to have a lot of traffic," said Terrazas.

In an area that continues to grow with more shopping and houses, some people want to keep their peace and quiet.

"I think it will make the property depreciate," said Herbert Moore. "I don't like the idea."

It could take months or longer before any decision is made and the zoo could still eventually stay right where it is.

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