Tucson Mayor Calls For Pause Of Reid Park Zoo Expansion

TUCSON, AZ — Tucson's mayor is addressing those concerned that the expansion of the local zoo may do more harm than good.

In a statement released Wednesday, Tucson Mayor Regina Romero called for an immediate pause on the Reid Park Zoo expansion, which would close down a local duck pond. Construction was set to start this spring.

"I have provided the privilege to the council member representing the area, and the Reid Park Zoological Society to reach a resolution with community members," Romero said in a statement. "However, it has become clear to me that resolution to this issue is not on the horizon. This is why I am compelled as mayor to help find common ground by calling for a pause on this project so that the different parties can come to the table."

In addition to the loss of the duck pond, some Tucsonans are concerned that the zoological society wasn't transparent about improvements to the zoo when voters passed a sales tax in 2017. The ballot language approved by voters in 2017 was “to fund capital improvements, operations, and maintenance,” and did not mention expansion, according to Romero.

The mayor called for construction to be halted while the city determines a solution that everyone can agree on.

"Involving the community must not be viewed as inconvenient; instead, it must be intentional and representative of community stakeholders," she said. "When organized correctly, it can actually improve the results."