San Antonio to Allocate $500K for Gorilla Shade Trees

Overview

The City of San Antonio has approved a budget that includes a $500,000 allocation for planting trees to provide shade for gorillas. This decision was confirmed by a spokesperson from the San Antonio Zoo.

Details on the Allocation

The spokesperson explained that the funds will be utilized for "trees for animal wellbeing and guest comfort, providing more shade and greenery within the zoo grounds." The funds for this project will be sourced from the city’s Tree Canopy Preservation and Mitigation Fund. This fund collects fees from urban developers who cut down trees during construction projects. The fees, which can amount to up to $600 per inch of tree trunk diameter, are intended to be used for replanting trees in the same areas where they were removed.

Controversy Surrounding the Allocation

Last year, the fund collected $9 million and used it to plant 12,600 trees. However, the nonprofit organization San Antonio Trees, which advocated for the creation of the fund in 1996, argues that the zoo is misusing the funds. They claim that the funds were not intended to be used for the comfort of apes.

Future Plans for the Zoo

The new gorilla exhibit, which is part of a planned $65 million renovation of the zoo, is expected to open in late 2025. This exhibit will feature a 60-foot viewing tower for an immersive experience that is said to "blur the lines" between gorillas and visitors. The renovation project is funded by both private and public money, with the nonprofit San Antonio Zoological Society securing a $10 million bond from the city and an additional $10 million in property taxes being redirected to the zoo.

Conclusion

While it is important to care for gorillas, the funds being used for this project were not originally collected for this purpose. Moreover, with millions of dollars in public funds already allocated to the zoo, it is questionable whether the gorillas require an additional $500,000 government handout.

Bottom Line

While the welfare of animals is undeniably important, the use of funds intended for urban tree replanting for the comfort of zoo animals raises questions about the appropriate use of public resources. What are your thoughts on this issue? Do you think the funds are being used appropriately or should they be allocated differently? Share your thoughts and this article with your friends. Don't forget to sign up for the Daily Briefing, which is available every day at 6pm.