Louisville Zoo Receives Additional $2 Million for Glacier Run Project From J. Graham Brown Foundation

“We have every confidence in this project and are continually seeking new funding sources from every feasible avenue. Our Glacier Run Steering Committee is energized to see this project through to its completion. We have been successful thus far in pursuing opportunities to get funding for this project, and we will continue to be responsible stewards of that investment.”

Once Glacier Run is totally complete, the estimated economic impact of the Zoo on the region will increase to $33.6 million while adding more than 400 new jobs to the local economy.

“The Zoo and Glacier Run are part of the solution to strengthen the economy of our community,” Walczak said. “We exist for the citizens of Louisville and the Commonwealth and are committed to do our part to help the community and state. The Zoo is a place dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for visitors and leadership in scientific research and conservation education. It is also a place where families can escape and not have to worry about their day-to-day problems. In this economy, we provide a quiet respite and quality family fun at an excellent value.”

GLACIER RUN OVERVIEW
Glacier Run will not only tell the dramatic story of the polar bear, one of the most charismatic species on the planet becoming more threatened every day, it will also engage visitors of all ages and educate them about the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. Glacier Run will inspire visitors to actively participate in the Zoo’s mission of bettering the bond between people and our planet.

Glacier Run will be a truly unique experience where one can visit the animals, talk to the keepers about conservation and become temporarily immersed in life on the tundra. The exhibit will recreate the natural habitat for some of the Zoo’s most popular residents including polar bears, seals and sea lions. The addition of sea otters and bird species like the Steller’s sea eagles will add to the feeling of being surrounded by wildlife. The town of Glacier Run will include a schoolhouse and general store. A spacious amphitheatre will make viewing the seal and sea lion enrichment demonstrations more enjoyable.