LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- The Louisville Zoo has announced that it will begin charging a $5 fee for visitors to park in its lot.
According to a news release, the Zoo will begin charging the per-vehicle fee on March 16.
"The Louisville Zoo is now 44 years old, and we are committed to maintaining a quality Zoo for generations to come," the release states. "This requires continual maintenance upkeep for both safety and beautification. We want to continue to be a wonderful educational and entertainment venue for both Louisville families and those who visit our city. Maintenance and upkeep includes paving and repairing walkways, freshening up older exhibits, maintaining roofs and buildings, just to name a few."
The release points to other zoos in Cincinnati, Columbus, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Nashville and St. Louis that all charge a similar fee, ranging from $5 to $15.
It also says that the Evansville Zoo is the only regional zoo that does not charge such a fee.
Louisville Zoo memberships will include parking during regular Zoo hours, according to the release.
The parking fee is expected to generate more than $500,000 a year.
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