The Bank of America Charitable Foundation in Charlotte, North Carolina, has announced a $1 million grant to Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo for construction of an indoor events facility.

The 17,000-square foot Safari Lodge, part of the zoo's plan to fully develop the eleven-acre Safari Africa habitat area, will accommodate special events and be used for seasonal restaurant operations and as meeting space. The lodge, which will boast an 11,000-square foot "great hall" and an elevated annex with views of the giraffe and zebra habitats, will include the existing Swazi Plaza and meerkat exhibit. The exterior architecture will reflect different regions of South Africa, while the interior will be designed to look like the courtyard of an African village.

"Tampa's Lowry Park Zoo serves as a tremendous economic, cultural, environmental, and educational anchor in Tampa Bay," said Bank of America CFO Joe L. Price. "The creation of the Safari Lodge will help the zoo play an increasingly important role in attracting visitors and spurring economic growth by creating a truly unique destination for business and social events."