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Zoo moving ahead on new bear complex

WBFO News file photo

Buffalo's polar bears are going to get a new home with the Zoo going ahead with its new bear den complex.

While the Buffalo Zoo is still hoping to hit its $18 million fundraising goal, it has raised enough to allow construction to proceed.

Within a few weeks, contractors will start tearing apart the old bear dens near the old entrance and setting the massive stone blocks aside for re-use.

Zoo president Donna Fernandes said Albany came through with enough cash to let the board vote to award demolition and construction bids.

Fernandes said saving the stone blocks and some special doors shaved the cost a little.

Meanwhile, the bears are living near the old main building.

"They're in the tiger exhibit and they're doing really well. They love the new pool," Fernandes said. "They're incredibly active in this new pool."

The Zoo board will vote formally Tuesday on the contracts.

 

Mike Desmond is one of Western New York’s most experienced reporters, having spent nearly a half-century covering the region for newspapers, television stations and public radio. He has been with WBFO and its predecessor, WNED-AM, since 1988. As a reporter for WBFO, he has covered literally thousands of stories involving education, science, business, the environment and many other issues. Mike has been a long-time theater reviewer for a variety of publications and was formerly a part-time reporter for The New York Times.