Zoo’s Neighbors Upset About Expansion

A planned 45-acre expansion of the Oakland Zoo is drawing opposition from some neighbors, sources said.

In its first major expansion in 50 years, zoo officials want to expand into Knowland Park to add more exhibits and a veterinary hospital, The Oakland Tribune reported.

Neighbors, however, argue that Knowland Park is land deeded to the city that should be preserved as open space.

We’re not opposed to the zoo as an entity, said Jason Webster, a member of the grassroots group Friends of Knowland Park. A majority of us respect the zoo. We’re asking the zoo to restrict expansion.

The East Bay Zoological Society, which runs the zoo and maintains Knowland Park, and residents reached consensus on the zoo’s master plan in 1998.

City Councilman Larry Reid, whose district includes the zoo, said the plan followed 18 months of negotiations between the zoo and residents.

The issues were resolved, Reid said. That’s why the planning commission and the council approved the master plan. You don’t go back and change the plan every time there are new residents that move into the area and find out about the issue, and then expect the zoo to change the plan.