But Hogle's hopes for a $65 million makeover have everything to do with the Legislature, which may decide whether to equalize funding for school buildings countywide.

So what do lions, tigers and bears have to do with constructing new schools?

Higher taxes, according to some Salt Lake County Council Republicans who refuse to put the zoo's bond request on the fall ballot while financial questions persist about splitting the Granite and Jordan school districts.

"It is about prioritization," GOP Councilman Michael Jensen said Tuesday. "I know the two issues shouldn't be linked. But, politically, they are."

The County Council delayed a decision Tuesday on whether the zoo may seek the voters' nod in November for a $65 million bond.

Instead, officials will wait until Thursday, hoping state lawmakers will better define the school-tax burden on residents before allowing the zoo to ask for the bond.

That leaves Hogle Zoo in limbo - again. The County Council put off the decision two weeks ago for the same reason.

Zoo Director Craig Dinsmore called the politics "unfortunate." He hasn't lost hope in reaching the fall ballot, but said the zoo has done all it can to get there.

"The decision is out of our hands," he said. "We placed our trust and faith in the council. We presented all the materials, answered all the questions and went through all the reviews that were asked of us. Never did we ever hear, 'You're unqualified, you're ineligible or you're not worthy.' It is unfortunate that [the council's vote] has been wrapped up in other issues."

Hogle Zoo is pushing for a massive overhaul of its Salt Lake City animal kingdom at the mouth of Emigration Canyon. The plan includes an expansive polar bear exhibit, an updated animal hospital and perhaps a sprawling African savanna with giraffes, lions and rhinoceroses.

Despite Democratic County Councilman Joe Hatch's urging to consider the zoo's renovation on its own merits, Republicans balked.

"It would be poor judgment," Jensen said, "to go forward before I have all the facts in front of me."

No matter what the Legislature decides today, Democratic Councilman Jim Bradley countered that the decision should rest with voters. They should determine, he said, whether an extra $8 to $14 a year on a $250,000 home is too steep for a zoo makeover.

"Let's not presume that the people aren't capable of making those decisions themselves," Bradley said.

Hogle Zoo is expected to find closure Thursday, when the County Council convenes a special session at 1:30 p.m. to vote.

"This is not the end of anything," Dinsmore said. "Right now, we're going to focus all our attention on Thursday."

jstettler@sltrib.com