Abilene Zoo’s Caribbean Cove project nears completion, showcasing warm-weather animals year-round

ABILENE, Texas (KTAB/KRBC) — It’s been just a year since the Abilene Zoo started its Caribbean Cove project, an additional exhibit allowing warmer-climate animals to be viewed year-round. With completion expected in a few months, the zoo is seeking city council approval on Thursday to use funds for its completion.

Denae Duesler, with the Abilene Zoo, said, “We have to ensure that we are keeping up with all of the standards of care for all of the animals here at the zoo, as well as we want to ensure we’re providing the best possible guest experience. I think the community is just going to be dazzled by it. I know we’re so excited about this project.”

There is one more step in the funding process before the project can be completed. The organization wants to use funds from a pre-approved 2023 bond for zoo improvements to help finish the project out for its summer 2025 completion date.

“Anything that’s being expended for any one particular item over a certain dollar amount does have to go to the city council for approval. So we did get multiple bids on this caging, and we are utilizing the one that is the most cost-effective for this project,” Duesler explained. “The big piece of it is providing all of the caging for those animals. The concrete has been poured for that. But we’re still waiting on the installation of all of that caging.”

The new exhibit will showcase warm-weather animals during winter months and feature additional trees.

“With all of this construction going on around here, between our parking lot, AYSA, and some other projects in town, the zoo has been really passionate about trying to save as many of these beautiful trees as we actually can. So, when you come out to the Abilene Zoo, you’re going to see some new trees planted,” Duesler said.

The zoo will also welcome toucans to the exhibit and have a wider parking lot paired with lighting and sidewalks for the summer.