We are excited to announce that Richard and Judith Bracken & their children, through The Bracken Foundation, have made a generous contribution toward the renovation and expansion of Nashville Zoo’s tiger exhibit. They structured the gift in the form of a match, enabling the Zoo to double donations for this much needed improvement. The Bracken’s gift was matched by two other major contributors, which completed funding needed for this exhibit.
The current tiger habitat was originally developed in 1989 as a black bear exhibit for Grassmere Wildlife Park, prior to the Zoo assuming management of the property. The renovated exhibit, which is scheduled to open in the spring of 2016, will be expanded to provide more space for the animals and increased viewing areas for our guests. Our plans incorporate an Asian architectural component that will include a bamboo covered bridge, waterfall and a second viewing area for an up-close view of these majestic cats. New night quarters will be created and designed to accommodate cubs once breeding is successful.
Interactive displays and video footage of wild tigers will engage and educate visitors about tiger conservation and the many challenges facing these cats in their struggle to avoid extinction. A highlight of the exhibit will be graphics depicting Nashville Zoo’s specific involvement in conservation efforts for what has become one of the rarest and most endangered big cats in the world.