Zoo Atlanta, that city's oldest cultural institution, has announced a $20 matching grant from the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation in support of its expansion plans.

Awarded as part of an ongoing fundraising campaign, the grant will be used to match other gifts on a one-to-one basis in support of the renovation of the zoo’s 1921 Cyclorama building as well as the area around it. Plans for the renovation include a new entry plaza and a special-events venue featuring close-up views of the elephants in the zoo’s African savanna area, which will be expanded to more than six acres.

"On behalf of the entire Zoo Atlanta family, we couldn’t be more thrilled by this wonderful news," said Atlanta Zoo president and CEO Raymond B. King. "We're honored and proud that our friends at the Robert W. Woodruff Foundation have deemed our organization worthy of such a substantial contribution to a truly defining moment in our history. This is a gift that's much more than purely monetary. It’s a very energizing and exciting demonstration of support and faith in the zoo’s success, stability, and future."