What a zoo would offer Bryan-College Station
As of 2016, the Bryan-College Station area was ranked 15 in fastest growing metropolitan areas according to Jake Walker and while the area has some entertainment such as the George Bush Presidential Library or First Friday in downtown Bryan, there is currently a severe lack of entertainment for families. In fact, according to Niche, a website that collects reviews of cities, the lack of entertainment is one of the primary complaints about moving here. Building the BCS zoo would go a long way in correcting this problem.
Entertainment
Better than parks or museums, zoos can provide a fresh experience every visit Not only are the animals bound to be doing something different each time, but typically
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Day camps would be particularly useful in the summer while kids are out of school. I would model the BCS zoos programs after the Houston zoo. The zoo will have behind the scenes looks at the day to day lives of the animals, discussions with zookeepers, along with typical camp activities such as art or craft projects. The zoo will also be able to host birthday parties or events, there will be a picnic area inside the zoo that is available for reservation. For bigger events, patrons would be able to rent the entire zoo after hours. When renting out the entire zoo, the price will have to be carefully considered to balance the cost of keeping employees late and clean up without making it prohibitory expensive. At the zoo's opening, the price will be set at $1200 for renting the entire zoo from closing at 5 pm to 9 pm, this price averages the prices of Cameron Park Zoo and the Abilene Zoo, both of which are smaller zoos in …show more content…
Rather than trying to preserve/save an exotic endangered animal, I propose the BCS zoo focuses on endangered or threatened animals that are local to Brazos Valley. According to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, The Brazos Valley is home to 25 threatened or endangered animals along with almost a dozen rare or endangered plant species. Possible zoo additions include Louisiana black bear, Cave Myotis bat, and the Houston toad. Upon the BCS zoo becoming more established and becoming accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (which will be reviewed later in this proposal) the BCS zoo is likely to work alongside others AZA zoos with their conservation