Nashville Zoo fights AI data center plan, warns noise may threaten endangered clouded leopards

Published Jul 16, 08:11 PM UTC

A proposal to build a massive AI data center by Atlanta firm DC BLOX just 50 yards from the Nashville Zoo has sparked a new wave of backlash, this time centered on animal rights. Zoo officials and animal activists are vehemently opposed, citing potential noise and light pollution that could disrupt the zoo's 3,000 animals, particularly its endangered clouded leopards. The zoo has launched a petition that has garnered over 500,000 signatures. An unprecedented crowd attended a Nashville planning commission meeting to urge stronger regulations and halt the project. Critics warn this could set a trend for data centers harming wildlife. Despite bipartisan pushback and lawsuits, DC BLOX has stated it will work with the community to minimize impacts.