A zoning dispute between a the City of Grand Island and Pete’s Safari has received widespread attention, and a petition that has received over 6,000 signatures.
Pete’s Safari opened in 2020, with an address listed in Alda. The zoo has over 40 animals, according to their website.
On Saturday, Kierra Petersen, the daughter of Pete’s Safari owners Kim and Kevin “Pete” Petersen, posted a photo to Facebook urging patrons for their support of Pete’s Safari, stating that they wanted major changes with animal enclosures, the parking lot needed to be paved, and other items.
One code issue included removal of the metal roof on top of animal enclosures. That would go against USDA regulations that would keep animals safe and protected in cases of extreme weather. Another issue is with the parking lot, which is currently unpaved.
The City of Grand Island released the a statement Monday in regards to the social media attention.
It reads: “The City of Grand Island is aware of recent public discussion and social media commentary regarding Pete’s Safari and would like to provide information regarding the City’s involvement in the matter.
The City of Grand Island is working cooperatively with the property owners’ legal counsel to explore options that meet zoning, building and safety regulations. The matter was identified during the property owners’ application for a proposed expansion of activities on the property and a subsequent review of the existing site pursuant to that application.
The residentially zoned property is within the City of Grand Island’s two-mile extra territorial jurisdiction, which means the City’s building and zoning laws apply to this area.
As this matter involves active review of numerous City Codes and/or State Law, the City cannot provide further information regarding Pete’s Safari at this time.
The City’s objective is not to close businesses or prevent community attractions from operating. Rather, the City’s responsibility is to apply adopted regulations ensuring public safety, protecting neighborhoods and providing fair and consistent treatment for all residents and businesses.”
The petition asks that the city work to find a solution with Pete’s Safari on the zoning and code issues.
The former Grand Island Zoo at Stolley Park closed in 2001. Outside of Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, zoos are few and far between in Nebraska, with zoos in Ashland, Lincoln, Monroe, Murray, and Scottsbluff.