The Lake Superior Zoo is poised to receive a $320,000 state grant, following the passage of a Duluth City Council resolution Monday authorizing funds to be accepted.
It's the second bit of good news this month, following the Association of Zoos and Aquariums' reaccreditation of the facility. The deteriorating zoo lost its accreditation in 2006 and had been working to return to good standing since that time.
Zoo CEO Sam Maida referred to the grant and the reaccreditation as "quite an accomplishment not just for the zoo but for the entire region."
He said that with the zoo now resting on a solid financial base, "We're just at the starting line."
The grant from the state Legacy Fund will be used to support the zoo's operations.
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The funding source for the grant is the Legacy Bill passed by Minnesota voters in 2008. It created a dedicated fund to support the arts and culture, protect water quality and develop parks and trails.
