Topeka Zoo to expand and upgrade giraffe facility

(AP) – The Topeka Zoo is expanding and upgrading its giraffe facility, a move that also will provide new housing for other animals. Zoo officials say the project is expected to cost $7.75 million. Private donations will cover $6.25 million of the cost, and a countywide sales tax will provide $1.5 million. Plans call for a 10,000-square-foot giraffe facility known as Giraffe and Friends. The project also will include a 4,000-square-foot facility that can house antelope, gazelles and large birds. The zoo says a three-acre outdoor habitat will wrap around the Camp Cowabunga project. Officials say it will be the largest project ever at the zoo.