Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium in Tacoma, Washington, has announced plans for a US$65.4m (€57.2m, £42.5m) expansion and renovation of the existing facilities, to include a brand new aquarium among other improvements.

The two-storey, 30,000sq ft (2,787sq m) Pacific Rim Aquarium will replace the existing 50-year-old facility, while the zoo’s polar bear exhibit is also going to be expanded amid hopes of realising a future breeding programme and bringing exhibits up to international standards. The Rocky Shores exhibits – which feature the likes of walruses, seals, otters, puffins and penguins – will undergo a full renovation, as the main pools are showing signs of corrosion from salt water. Once the new aquarium is complete, the North Pacific Aquarium will be renovated and turned into a South American rainforest display featuring small primates and fish.

The project has been funded by voter-approved bond measures for the US-based visitor attraction and the full US$65.4m will go towards the new aquarium, Rocky Shores and polar bear exhibit renovations.

In a separate project, the zoo is working in conjunction with Tacoma Public Schools on the development of an environmental learning centre to serve students, staff and visitors. The proposed two-storey building, to be constructed using school district bond funds, would offer classrooms for high school students, exhibition space and would replace portable buildings currently in use for educational services at the zoo.