By Casey Harper

cdharper@gannett.com

Buoyed by a bump in city funding, the Nashville Zoo is moving forward with major expansion plans expected to give tourism a boost in South Nashville.

More animals, exhibits and staff are all part of the zoo's ambitious push to expand, details of which will be revealed next week.

"We've got exciting things planned," said Jim Bartoo, the zoo's marketing and public relations director.

The zoo launched a $130 million campaign in 2012 for a 30-acre African exhibit. This proposed expansion would build on that effort, Bartoo said.

Mayor Karl Dean and Metro Council last month allotted $10 million to the Nashville Zoo in the city's capital budget, but the zoo can only spend that money if it gets dollar-for-dollar matching private investments. By announcing the expansion plans, Bartoo said, zoo officials hope to put a charge into the fund-raising effort.

He said the improvements would place the zoo among the best in the country and allow it to build on steady growth in recent years — a plan that was greeted warmly by those who would be affected.

"I think the zoo expansion will certainly increase tourism to Nashville and help small businesses in the area," said State Representative Jason Powell, D-Nashville, whose district includes the zoo. "I think it will be a welcome addition and expansion to South Nashville and Nolensville Road in particular."

In 2003, just over 460,000 people attended the Nashville Zoo, a 13 percent increase from the previous year. This year, zoo officials anticipate more than 800,000 visitors.

The zoo currently sits on about 82 acres but leases an additional 106 acres at Grassmere, off Nolensville Road. Under the plan, a good portion of that land would be developed over a 7-9 year period. The zoo leases all 188 acres from Metro Parks.

Parking has become an issue in recent years, particularly in the spring when the zoo runs out of spots. The zoo increased its parking areas in 2009, but continued growth has forced them to expand again.

The zoo has expanded incrementally over the years. It added giraffes in 2006, a a flamingo lagoon in 2010, and a kangaroo exhibit in 2013. But these new changes will be more substantial.

"We are going to do this strategically so that we can use everybody's dollars in the best way to create a great zoo for Nashville," Bartoo said.

Reach Casey Harper at 615-259-8085 and on Twitter @CaseyHarper33.

This story has been updated to clarify information about the Nashville Zoo's size and who owns the land where the zoo is located.