$650M plan would give Los Angeles Zoo flashy transformation

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A $650 million plan would give the Los Angeles Zoo a theme park-style transformation over the next 20 years.

The Los Angeles Times says the city-owned zoo would get exhibit upgrades and new attractions including a 60-foot-deep canyon for rock climbing and a hilltop feature in the style of a Yosemite National Park lodge with a sweeping view of a 25,000-square-foot vineyard if the plan is approved.

Supporters say the new zoo features would increase attendance 72% by drawing up to 3 million visitors annually.

But building them would consume 23 acres of native woodlands, which has drawn opposition from environmental and historical preservation groups.