But Hogle leaders now face the unfortunate reality that their park's fate is tied to the proposed split of the Granite and Jordan school districts.

Hogle Zoo announced plans this year to renovate its 41-acre park at the mouth of Emigration Canyon - a plan that would replace concrete enclosures with more spacious, lifelike exhibits.

The zoo needs $65 million from taxpayers and, in return, promises the largest makeover in park history.

The County Council, although generally supportive of the zoo's plan, is tilting 5-4 toward a "no" vote with Republicans on one side and Democrats on the other.

Republican Councilman Jeff Allen said he cannot sanction a zoo referendum when the financial impacts of splintering the Granite and Jordan school districts remain uncertain.

"As stewards of the ballot, it is our obligation to ensure that only the items of the highest priority are placed on it," Allen said. "The zoo is a secondary priority to education."

What could change Allen's vote, and the votes of several conservative colleagues, is if the state Legislature chooses to equalize funding for building and renovating schools - a move that could alleviate the tax burden on west-siders if the districts divide.

"Let's first figure out the education fund," Councilman Mark Crockett said. "Then I don't necessarily have a problem with us also doing the zoo."

That leaves Hogle Zoo in limbo for at least a week as council members await word on whether Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. will call a special legislative session to discuss school funding.

Still, Hogle leaders remain hopeful.

"At this point, we remain very optimistic," said zoo spokeswoman Holly Braithwaite. "We have done all the work. We have answered everything. We respectfully sit back and leave it in the hands of the [County] Council."

Meanwhile on Tuesday night, the Salt Lake City Council voted to enter into an interlocal agreement with Salt Lake County to fund improvements to Hogle Zoo with the bond money.

The City Council reserved the right to make modifications to the agreement should the County Council approve the bond initiative. Democrat Councilman Joe Hatch reported no success Tuesday in rounding up a fifth vote to sway the council in the zoo's favor.

He criticized Republicans' reluctance to act before questions of educational funding are resolved. If voters consider the Hogle tax too onerous, he said, they'll turn it down.

"It's up to the voters how much risk they are willing to take on," Hatch said. "That's why we put on the ballot."

jstettler@sltrib.com