Refurbishing is on hold for zoo penguin exhibit

10/20/2009

The Toledo Zoo's board of directors have at least temporarily iced plans for renovating the park's penguin exhibit.

Executive Director Anne Baker recommended the project be taken off the books for next year after learning that multiple bids had come back in the $2 million price range, or $500,000 more than expected. The zoo had figured the high-end price would be $1.5 million.

“The return on the investment at $2 million, frankly, is not worth it,” Ms. Baker said.

She said officials considered downsizing the project to stay within their budget, but ultimately didn't believe that would be worth it.