By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
State Funding Earmarked To Aid Micke Grove Zoo
micke grove zoo

State Senator Cathleen Galgiani (D-Stockton) announced that efforts are under way to access over half a million dollars in state funds she was able to secure for Micke Grove Zoo in the recently passed 2016-17 State Budget.

Galgiani noted that Micke Grove Zoo was the only zoo in the entire state to receive a direct appropriation in the state budget. Galgiani personally intervened with budget writers to secure the $500,000 to fund key retrofits to the zoo facility.

“Micke Grove is an important educational resource for our school kids and local community. I’ve put in a great deal of effort to secure these funds, and I’d like to thank the entire community for also coming together to support this effort,” stated Galgiani. “By working together, we can keep William and Julia Micke’s vision of ensuring generations to come will have an opportunity to learn about the importance of protecting our threatened wildlife as well as their habitat.”

Ken Nieland, President of the Micke Grove Zoological Society Board of Directors, in a letter, lauded Galgiani’s efforts to improve the zoo.

“Micke Grove Zoological Society, the non-profit formed to assist San Joaquin County with improvements to Micke Grove Zoo, applauds the efforts of Senator Galgiani to secure an appropriation to benefit the Zoo,” stated Nieland. “This significant appropriation, effectively managed, promises a great start toward addressing the backlog of repairs and improvements necessary to update the Zoo.

 “Zoological Society leaders are encouraged by the appropriation and are grateful to the Senator and her staff for their efforts that benefit the Zoo and enrich the lives of area families and children.”

Micke Grove Zoo opened in 1957 in the City of Lodi and is home to native and exotic animals. The Zoo’s Education Department offers many educational programs for the residents of the Central Valley.

Galgiani announced that in the coming months she will focus on an outreach effort to increase zoo membership and awareness in the community. She encourages the public wishing to donate to the Zoo to go to http://www.mgzoo.com/zoo/micke-grove/support-the-zoo/default.htm or call them at (209) 331-2010.