As Nashville Zoo continues to Grow Wild, expanding its collection to include bears, lions, hippopotamuses, rhinoceroses and gorillas, it is imperative that we construct a new medical facility to care for these iconic species. To meet this need, Hospital Corporation of America (HCA) has partnered with Nashville Zoo to build a new state of the art, comprehensive animal health care and education facility. Nashville is the healthcare capital of the United States, and as the nation's leading provider of healthcare services, HCA recognizes that it is important that we also deliver excellent care and resources to the animals at Nashville Zoo.
HCA has structured a portion of its gift as a challenge, matching $1 for $1 donations from individuals, corporations, and foundations. Paired with Metro Nashville Government’s $1:$1 public/private challenge, every $1 that is contributed to the Veterinary Medical Center over the next 10 months will be matched with $2 through the challenges issued by HCA and the City. Nashville Zoo would like to encourage others in the community to meet the challenge, join HCA and Grow Wild.
The current veterinary hospital was built in 1989 for a very small collection of indigenous species when the property was under the management of Grassmere Wildlife Park. Since that time, with the growth of the Zoo and our animal collection, we have outgrown the space. The Zoo’s accrediting institution, the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, will not allow us to further expand our collection if we are unable to provide quality healthcare accommodations. Therefore, construction of a new veterinary hospital is of utmost importance to the development of the Nashville Zoo.
Within the current proposed drawings, Nashville Zoo’s Veterinary Medical Center will consist of a 26,000 square foot facility that includes areas for observation, diagnosis, radiology, surgery, laboratory, pharmacy, and administrative functions. The new medical facility will also serve as a teaching center, connecting local colleges and universities with opportunities to learn about diagnosis, treatment, and management of animal health. Educational opportunities will further extend to visitors of all ages, as a viewing gallery will allow Zoo guests to observe surgeries and treatment procedures as well as the nursery.
Nashville Zoo is most appreciative of HCA’s lead gift for the Veterinary Medical Center. If you’re interested in helping the Zoo build this world-class veterinary hospital, please contact Chief Development Officer Suzanne Iler at siler@nashvillezoo.org or 615-833-1534 ext. 128.