$22 million approved for new rhino habitat at Milwaukee County Zoo

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The Milwaukee County Board on Thursday, Sept. 21, approved an agreement with the Zoological Society of Milwaukee to construct a new rhino habitat in its place. 

The news means the zoo can start planning construction. 

The $22 million agreement will most likely now be added to the county's 2024 capital budget proposal which will also need approval. 

One county board member says he just toured the zoo and saw firsthand that upgrades are needed if the zoo is to bring in more animals for people to enjoy. 

"We take a look at what residents enjoy -- we know they enjoy the zoo. I completely agree we have only so much money to spend that's why we need to listen to our constituents of this county and choose to invest into entities that they patron," said Milwaukee County Supervisor Steve Taylor. 

Other supervisors highlighted the importance of the zoo, but questioned if there will be enough money in the budget to provide the $22 million requested by the executive zoo director. 

The Milwaukee County Zoo hasn't had rhinos since before the pandemic.