Nashville Zoo Faces Off Over Near-Campus Data Center and Wildlife Risks

The Nashville Zoo is opposing a proposed 50-megawatt DC BLOX data center adjacent to its Grassmere campus, warning that constant noise, light and energy use could disrupt the zoo’s clouded leopard breeding program and affect thousands of animals; DC BLOX says its design includes noise/light mitigation and water-conserving cooling. The dispute mirrors a national debate over data-center expansion, with petitions and local government moves—including possible land acquisition—adding to the debate while supporters cite mitigations.