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Nashville Zoo fights against data center near leopards

Jun 3, 2026, 3:13 PM20
(Update: Jun 6, 2026, 5:13 AM)
country primarily in North America
state of the United States of America
state of the United States of America
state of the United States of America
state of the United States of America
state of the United States of America

Nashville Zoo fights against data center near leopards

  • The Nashville Zoo has launched a petition against a proposed data center near its facility, gathering over 180,000 signatures.
  • Concerns have been raised about the potential noise disturbances affecting the zoo's animals, particularly clouded leopards.
  • The zoo's opposition highlights the growing backlash against data centers in communities across the U.S.
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In the United States, a significant backlash against artificial intelligence data centers has emerged, with various communities expressing their concerns. One notable instance is the Nashville Zoo, which has taken a strong stance against a proposed data center that would be located just 50 yards from its animal enclosures. The zoo's president and CEO, Rick Schwartz, has voiced worries about the potential noise disturbances that could affect the animals, particularly the breeding of vulnerable species like clouded leopards. In response to these concerns, the zoo launched an online petition that has garnered over 180,000 signatures and 25,000 shares on Facebook, reflecting widespread public support for their cause. The petition urges local city leaders to intervene and protect the zoo's unique collection of animals, which attracts approximately 1.4 million visitors annually. The proposed data center, developed by DC BLOX, has raised alarms not only for its proximity to the zoo but also due to the lack of specific zoning regulations for data centers in the metropolitan area. The mayor's office has acknowledged that the developers applied for site permits before finalizing the property purchase, which has added to the controversy surrounding the project. DC BLOX has stated that they are committed to addressing local concerns and minimizing any potential impacts on the community and the zoo. They have assured that their facility will not be an AI factory and will utilize waterless cooling designs to reduce water consumption. However, the zoo remains firm in its opposition, emphasizing the need to protect its animals from any disturbances that could arise from the data center's operations.

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