LINCOLN, Neb. (AP) — Lincoln’s City Council has approved a $16 million expansion project at its zoo.

Construction could begin as soon as next spring at the Lincoln Children’s zoo.

The project will build a new education and conservation center that Lincoln schools will use for classes.

And additional parking will be added in Woods Park.

About $12 million of the project’s cost will be covered by private donations.

Zoo executive director John Chapo says the timing of the project will depend on fundraising.