The Sedgwick County Commission voted Wednesday to spend $30 million at the Sedgwick County Zoo during the next five years, with nearly all the money going to staff and maintenance costs.
The financial support will allow the zoological society to begin raising $10 million to-$12 million for an expanded elephant exhibit.
The zoo has two elephants and needs at least one more to meet new requirements for accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums.
Zoo officials delayed starting the capital campaign without a commitment from the county to maintain current and future exhibits and address delayed maintenance needs.