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Indy Zoo gets $2M gift for planned orangutan center

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The Indianapolis Zoo has received a $2 million gift toward its planned orangutan center.

The zoo said Thursday it received the gift from the family foundation of Dean and Barbara White of Crown Point. Dean White is co-founder of Merrillville-based White Lodging, whose developments include the towering JW Marriott Hotel that overlooks the zoo in downtown Indianapolis.

The zoo says the fundraising campaign for its International Orangutan Center has secured $25 million of its $30 million goal.

Groundbreaking for the project is set for next month. It's scheduled to open in May 2014.

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  • Disappointing Location
    The orangutan center is of course exciting news, but I am troubled about the "back lot" location of the exhibit will seriously damage its popularity. Dr. Jeff Bonner had it right years ago when he said to put it front and center as you enter the zoo. I am afraid the current management team there is going to once again demonstrate mediocrity and a lack of creativity that has been missing sine the planning of the White River Gardens. Too bad, this exhibit should be a rock star for the downtown. Somebody with vision needs to step in.

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  1. Saw the Indy Men's Chorus "Music of Gilbert & Sullivan" at the Indiana Historical Society on Sunday evening.

  2. Temporary workers are not "tools" they are people and companies that keep large amounts of temp staff are cheating.

  3. I miss having them around. I hope one of their stores is in the general Meridian/86th Street area. I will make good use of it.

  4. The Fringe! Plus, the simple fact that there are so many local faves in such close proximity to each other.

  5. I remenber, watching the toll road, being built, through South Bend, when I was 10 years old. I believe, back then that it was estimated, that the toll road, would be paid for in 20 years and then it would be free. I am now 71, what happened? Since the power is in the people, by that, I mean that, we the people are in total control of everything. I, suggest that no one ever use the toll road again, let it go broke. We the people can control the price of everything, from groceries to gas, if we would just do it. If we don't pay the asking price, the sellers will lower the price and if we wait awhile, they will lower the price to what we accept as reasonable. I would like to know why a highway like interstate 94, is so well maintained, a much better highway, than the toll road, but has no tolls. I would also like to know why, a sitting governor, with a term limit, maximum of eight years, can lease, public property, for 75 years. Even though I have transponders in both of my trucks and will not be affected by the increase, I have been and will contine to avoid using the toll road. I make many trips from northern Indiana to Chicago, every year, and I prefer the better highway, I94!

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