Centennial Gift to Palo Alto Junior Museum & Zoo

PALO ALTO WEEKLY
News - September 21, 2018

Around Town

 

ZOO-PENDOUS! ... The bobcats, raccoons, squirrels and other critters at the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo are squealing with delight at a $100,000 grant to help build their new home at Rinconada Park.

 

The Rotary Club of Palo Alto recently gifted the funds to the museum and zoo's friends group on Sept. 10. Construction on the museum and zoo's new facility launched this fall, forcing the animals and staff to temporarily move to the Cubberley Community Center with their kid-powered ball machine, giant climbing web and other popular attractions. The 18-month project is expected to be completed by summer 2020. "The Friends' Board of Directors is thankful to the Rotary Club of Palo Alto for helping make possible a new Junior Museum and Zoo," Friends board President Aletha Coleman said in a press release. The city of Palo Alto also has pledged nearly $5 million for the expansion. Once completed, the revamped space will feature new exhibit galleries, classrooms, increased access for people with disabilities and an outdoor area where visitors can interact with birds, insects and other animals. "This grant to support the JMZ is a perfect match for us as we begin to focus on our Club's Centennial year, coming in 2022," Rotary President Ginny Lear said. "We are proud to help to continue providing exceptional science experiences for our youngest community members and look forward to future partnerships."