Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Accept Community Contributions from University of California, Merced in the Amount of $20,000 as a Match to Add Renovations to the Bobcat Exhibit at Merced Applegate Zoo as Part of the Renovations
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting contributions from University of California, Merced in support of renovations to the Bobcat exhibit at Merced Applegate Zoo and appropriate to the Merced Applegate Zoo Capital Improvement Project.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Donation Acceptance Agreement with University of California, Merced; and,
B. Accepting funds in the amount of $20,000, increasing revenue budget and appropriating the same to Fund 5000-Parks and Community Service Capital Fund Project CP220072, Applegate Zoo Expansion; and,
C. Authorizing the City Manager to sign necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Deny; or,
3. Refer back to Staff for reconsideration of specific items.
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
Background
Parks & Community Services and UC Merced have a shared interest in community education, natural resource preservation, and quality amenities for the community to enjoy. In 2005 UC Merced and Applegate Zoo partnered with students to name one of the rescued Bobcats at the Zoo. Students selected “Boomer” as the namesake and contributed some initial funding towards the Bobcat exhibit. The University has made significant investments in both educating students and preserving natural resources over the last 20 years. In January of 2026, Parks & Community Services submitted a proposal to UC Merced for consideration of a new commitment of $20,000 in order to add significant upgrades to the Bobcat exhibit as part of the work being carried out through the renovations at Merced Applegate Zoo.
Description
UC Merced has agreed to honor the naming initiative through a contribution of $20,000 towards various upgrades to the Bobcat exhibit at Merced Applegate Zoo as part of the renovation efforts. The agreement is based on the following shared objectives:
• Education: Educate children and visitors about the natural habitat, behavior, and conservation status of bobcats through an entertaining and interactive exhibit that fosters curiosity and respect for wildlife.
• Conservation: Highlight the importance of preserving natural habitats and understanding the role of predators in maintaining ecological balance and raise awareness of the UC Merced Vernal Pools and Grassland Reserve.
• Awareness of local opportunities for Higher Education: incorporating information about career paths and academic programs offered through higher education at the University of California Merced.
Based on those shared objectives, the University of California will contribute $20,000 towards the upgrades of the Bobcat exhibit. As a result, Merced Applegate Zoo will continue the tradition honoring UC Merced’s community relations opportunities at the Merced Applegate Zoo, for a period of ten years, beginning April 1st, 2026, and concluding March 31st, 2036. This will include extending the naming of the Bobcat as “Boomer”, opportunities naming any future bobcats, and special event appearances by UC Merced Mascots and or staff.
Specific outcomes from the use of funding will include installing a nameplate for the Bobcat Exhibit, including acknowledgment of renovation being “Paid for in part by University of California Merced”, Interpretation panel with engaging facts about Bobcat behaviors, diet, conservation challenges, and the Creation of a naturalistic enclosure that mimics the bobcat's native habitat, including climbing structures, shaded areas, and rockwork.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Staff is requesting that City Council accept the contribution of $20,000 by UC Merced and appropriate the same to Fund 5000-Parks and Community Service CIP, project CP220072, Applegate Zoo Expansion.
Recommendation B requires five affirmative votes for approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Donation Agreement with Acceptance Form and Proposal