Governor Andrew Cuomo announced Sunday the state will step in allowing the Buffalo Zoo to close its current funding gap as it continues to raise funds to build the Arctic Edge exhibit and keep its popular polar bear cubs in Buffalo.
The Zoo has been working to raise the needed funds to build an $18 million state-of-the-art habitat for polar bears and other arctic species.
The state will now assistant with $750,000 from the Governor's NY Works program. It will allow the zoo to move forward with the Arctic Edge exhibit and create a permanent polar bear home.
“The Buffalo Zoo is the most visited tourist destination in Erie County, and supporting the Arctic Edge exhibit will help it draw even more travelers to Western New York,” Governor Cuomo said. “This project is accomplishing much needed upgrades that will further cement the Zoo’s status as a driver of tourism and economic activity throughout the region, and I am pleased that Luna and Kali will be able to continue their stay in Buffalo.”
Buffalo Zoo President Donna Fernandes said, “We are extremely grateful to Governor Cuomo for putting The Bear Necessities Campaign over the top and ensuring that the Arctic Edge exhibit will be built. We are thrilled that he recognizes the significance of cultural tourism to the area and the role that the Buffalo Zoo plays in bringing people to Western New York. Our deepest thanks go out to the Governor for making sure that our bears will remain in Buffalo.”
“Once again Governor Cuomo and his team continue to show their commitment to Western New York. By completing the funds needed for the arctic exhibit at the Buffalo Zoo we have solidified our standing to keep Luna and a strong case to keep the orphan cub Kali. This exhibit will be a tremendous boost to tourism and the economy for Buffalo and Western New York. We have never seen the type of commitment on both an economic development and tourism aspect as to what Governor Cuomo has brought and continues to bring to the people of Western New York," said state Senator Mark Grisanti.
The Buffalo Zoo’s Arctic Edge will create 228 construction jobs. Two large exhibits will house polar bears while three smaller enclosures will feature arctic wolf, bald eagle and Canadian lynx to illustrate the diversity of species that have adapted to life in this harsh climate. The landscape will be naturalistic and will include two large saltwater pools, natural boulders and a variety of substrates. A sophisticated Life Support System (LSS) will be utilized to maintain high water quality. Underwater viewing will enable visitors to get an up-close look at the bears’ swimming styles, natural behaviors and playful antics.