The Lowry Park Zoo is planning to build a new veterinary hospital and make other upgrades this year.
The zoo is owned by the city but run by a nonprofit organization.
The Tampa City Council recently voted to help the zoo borrow up to $6.5 million from SunTrust Bank to finance a new animal care complex that includes the hospital and other improvements.
When complete, the animal care complex will have a new hospital, animal quarantine areas, a conservation center and a commissary capable of storing enough fresh produce and food to get the zoo through a hurricane and to prepare a wide range of daily animal meals.
Copyright AP - Associated Press