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Wildlife Conservation Society/Central Park Zoo, application to construct a building, two pavilions, fencing and pathways.
WHEREAS, The Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS), operators of the Central Park Zoo, are proposing to construct a new Snow Leopard Facility; and
WHEREAS, Snow Leopards are an endangered species; and
WHEREAS, The facility will be operated cooperatively as part of a national breeding program; and
WHEREAS, The animals are the 3rd and 4th generation of said breeding program and have never lived in the wild; and
WHEREAS, The Wildlife Conservation Society's Director of New York City Zoos is the coordinator of this national breeding program; and
WHEREAS, This will be a permanent exhibit with a maximum of six animals at any given time; and
WHEREAS, The proposed facility is located within the existing zoo on less than half an acre and will consist of three main elements:
- - a concrete block holding structure, no taller than 9'-10", covered with dark cedar siding
- - two viewing pavilions that mimic the style of other pavilions in the zoo
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- a mesh enclosure supported by poles that is minimally visible; and
WHEREAS, The design will allow maximum viewing by the public while respecting the existing landscape, as well as the social habits and physical requirements of Snow Leopards; and
WHEREAS, The facility will be screened with plantings and has been designed to have minimal visual impact from the adjacent Transverse Drive and East Drive on the Zoo's perimeter; and
WHEREAS, The design was completed with cooperation and input from the NYC Parks Department, and the Central Parks Conservancy; and
WHEREAS, It is anticipated that the facility will be constructed next winter and not during peak visitor season; therefore be it
RESOLVED, That Community Board Five recommends approval of the application by the Wildlife Conservation Society.
The above resolution passed37 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention.