Zoo Knoxville in Tennessee has announced a $5 million gift from Randy and Jenny Boyd in support of a ten-year plan to transform its fifty-three acres.

The largest gift ever received by the zoo will support the construction of new habitats for animals and new experiences for both animals and guests, including Tiger Forest, scheduled to be completed in April; a Malayan tiger habitat and breeding facility; primate habitats for langurs and gibbons; and a new café for visitors. The plan also includes construction of a new reptile facility and otter habitat scheduled to open in 2020. In recognition of the gift, the zoo has named the four-acre group of new habitats the Boyd Family Asian Trek. 

"The legacy of the Boyd family's commitment to our zoo started many years ago," said Zoo Knoxville president and CEO Lisa New. "It was Randy's vision while serving as the chair of our facilities committee that challenged us to think beyond anything we had ever done. Their gift will transform the experience we give our guests, the care we provide our animals, and the impact we will have in saving animals from extinction."