The Chattanooga Zoo is hoping to bring a little bit of Africa to the Scenic City.
Zoo Director Darde Long told Chattanooga Council members today the zoo is well on its way to gathering $10 million it needs to build exhibits for giraffes and lions.
Long told Council members the zoo has received a $1 million anonymous donation, along with more than $400,000 in state funds to build the new exhibits.
"I'm not asking for money today," Long said. "We want you and our community to help bring Africa to Chattanooga," Long said.
Along with increasing the prestige of the local zoo, Long said the new exhibits are expected to make money.
A study paid for by the zoo estimates the giraffe exhibit would bring in an additional $231,736 to the zoo in the first year it opens in 2018, according to a presentation Long gave today.
The lion exhibit is expected to open in 2020.