The Zoo reaches $1 million goal

The Zoo Northwest Florida is staying put.

The Zoo announced in July that it was in debt and that if a $1 million fund-raising initiative was not successful this year, the long-standing attraction might have to close.

Zoo officials announced Friday that they had reached the $1 million mark Dec. 20.

“There’s a lot of relief and joy,” said Dannyelle Lantz, The Zoo’s executive director. “It’s exciting to be able to sit down and make plans. We are all just extremely excited and just very relieved.”

The money will be used to pay down some of The Zoo’s debt that is due immediately, Lantz said. Some funds will also be used to improve exhibits and animal habitats.

• Things To Do
• Movies
• Dining

• Nightlife
• Local Art