On Monday, June 8, the Nashville Zoo released a statement about a proposed 69,220-square-foot AI data center that would be built “just feet away from one of the most fragile and rare collections of animals in the country.”
“AI data centers are being built at an alarming pace, posing possible risks to diverse and vulnerable communities,” the zoo shared in a statement.
“With no regulations or safeguards in place, DC Blox, an Atlanta-based AI company, intend[s] to build a 69,000 square feet data center on land abutting the Zoo. We vehemently oppose the proposed data center and are asking for your support.”
According to the public permit for the potential project, the zoo shared, the data center would span 1.6 acres under one roof on a 23.5-acre lot, with two more buildings planned. With a substation and other support structures, it would use at least 50 megawatts of power.
A clouded leopard at the Nashville Zoo. Photo courtesy of the Nashville Zoo/Instagram
“That amount of energy consumption is equal to 30,000 to 50,000 single-family homes,” the zoo’s statement explained.
“Pulling that amount of power 24/7 would put a strain on the community’s power grid which would have detrimental effects to the Zoo, nearby schools, and to the people of Tennessee’s most ethnically diverse communities.”
Zoo leaders also shared concerns about noise and light pollution, as well as water quality, for surrounding neighborhoods. In addition to the 3,000 animals who call the zoo home, a neighborhood “already facing economic challenges” would be impacted.
“Constant noise from cooling systems and generators, and light pollution from bright security and operational lighting can dramatically affect animal behavior, disrupting their natural photo periods and rhythms,” the zoo stressed.
“Stress on the animals from these factors can be detrimental to our conservation efforts, especially our clouded leopard breeding program. Many cities around the country have shared the negative effects that data centers are causing right now, including our neighbors in Memphis.”
In addition to the statement, the zoo shared it has been speaking with city leaders and community members, urging zoo supporters to sign a petition opposing the data center.
As of the publishing of this article, over 376,000 people have signed the petition. And a cultural and philanthropic leader in Nashville — country music Brad Paisley — has also spoken out against the data center.
“By now, you’ve probably heard about the proposed data center they want to build next to the Nashville Zoo, which is an absolute nightmare scenario,” Paisley said in a Reel posted to Instagram earlier this week.
“First of all, they don’t have the power to build this; they don’t have the water; it doesn’t belong there. It would be an enormous monstrosity, an absolute eyesore, and detract in every way, not only from the zoo but that area,” he added. “It’s not too late to stop it, either.”
He encouraged viewers to sign the zoo’s petition. And the zoo urged those who sign to take an additional step: Contact the Metro Nashville Council Members and Mayor, and encourage them to pass an ordinance that would amend the city code to establish strict zoning, water usage, and spatial regulations for data centers.
“The zoo is one of the sources of joy in the city. It is one of the top zoos in the world,” Paisley added. “It’s expanding itself; it’s got all these plans to become even better as a resource for our city. So, let’s sign the petition, and let’s stop it.”
“Let’s keep Nashville as beautiful and as great an attraction as it’s always been,” Paisley concluded.
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Header images courtesy of Brad Paisley/Nashville Zoo
