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The safari-style zoo will attract an estimated average of 421,900 visitors per year, according to an economic impact report prepared by Tourism Economics and Canopy Strategic Partners.

Of those, the report estimates that about 43%  will come from outside the ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ area, and that nearly one-quarter of all visitors will spend the night in the area.

These visitors from outside the area are expected to spend $184 million at area businesses over the next 10 years.

"WildCare Park will bring with it a major tourism boost for our region and an economic boost for north ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ County," said ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ County Executive Sam Page in a statement.

The rest of the economic impact throughout the area will be made through the park's own operating expenses, jobs both at the park and other businesses and through state and local tax revenues estimated at just under $50 million through the first 10 years.

The park is set on 425 acres in Spanish Lake, sufficient room for herds of animals to roam and interact with other species. Special safari vehicles will carry visitors through the park to see the animals in the open spaces; the drivers will be zoo employees who are knowledgeable about the animals.

A 160-acre section, Savanna Safari, will be dedicated to such animals as zebras, antelopes and giraffes. Another 60-acre section will be home to such animals as white rhinos, wild horses and perhaps ostriches.

Also at the park will be a walk-through safari, with animals such as kangaroos, and a 60-acre area for children featuring plants and animals that are native to Missouri.

When it is complete, the park will be home to about 250 adult animals. Animals are being introduced to it slowly so they can acclimate to their new home. At the moment, just 17 animals live there.

The park is expected to cost $230 million. The land was purchased in 2018 with $7.1 million in private donations. That year, ×îÐÂÐÓ°ÉÔ­´´ County voters agreed to increase their sales tax to pay for part of the construction of the park; because of that, county residents will get in free. Everyone else, including city residents, will have to pay admission.

The remaining cost is being paid for with bonds issued by the Missouri Development Finance Board, funds from the zoo and private money. The bonds are to be repaid with the zoo's surplus operating funds.