SOUTH BEND, Ind. (AP) -- South Bend’s zoo has seen a big jump in attendance this year but it faces the possibility of funding cuts as city officials look to reduce spending.

Potawatomi Zoo’s attendance of 88,585 people through the end of May is well above the average of about 60,000 visitors during that time in recent years.

Zoo director Terry DeRosa says its special white alligator exhibit and improvements to its butterflies and flamingo areas have likely helped attract visitors. The zoo also is benefiting as fewer people are making long trips, and it has done advertising aimed at those staying near home.

DeRosa says he anticipates some cutbacks as the city looks to close a projected $20 million budget deficit, although no specifics have been decided.

Posted 7/3/2009