# Nashville zoo vs data center

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nashville-zoo-vs-data-center
> Updated: 2026-08-11T20:05:00.000Z. Sources: 7. Developments: 3.

In early July 2026, the Nashville Zoo began a public campaign against a proposed DC BLOX data center that would be built just beyond its perimeter. Zoo officials warned that the center’s constant noise, light and vibrations could interfere with a newly successful clouded leopard breeding program and affect other sensitive species. A petition supporting the zoo’s stance quickly amassed over 500,000 signatures and drew commentary from public figures.

By late July, the zoo’s board formally voted to reject a memorandum of understanding with DC BLOX. The city’s Metro Council responded with a temporary moratorium on new data-center permits and moved to give the mayor authority to use eminent domain to acquire the site, further heightening the dispute. DC BLOX, which purchased the land for $23 million, has not issued a public comment on the board’s rejection, while experts note the actual impact of data-center noise on zoo animals remains uncertain.

In August, the Nashville Metro Council voted 27 to 5 to authorize the city to acquire the 23.49-acre property through negotiation or condemnation. Officials noted that the city must still prove a public need for the land in court. In response, DC BLOX filed a lawsuit in federal court, alleging that Nashville acted illegally by implementing zoning changes and a moratorium after the company had already secured necessary permits.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-11: Nashville authorizes potential eminent domain to block DC Blox data center

Nashville officials have authorized the potential use of eminent domain to block a DC Blox data center near the Nashville Zoo, prompting a federal lawsuit from the developer over zoning changes.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nashville-authorizes-potential-eminent-domain-to-block-dc-blox-data-center

### 2026-07-24: Nashville Zoo Opposes Adjacent Data Center Project

Nashville Zoo rejects DC Blox's data‑center proposal over animal‑welfare concerns; city council imposes a moratorium and considers eminent‑domain seizure of the site.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nashville-zoo-opposes-adjacent-data-center-project-1

### 2026-07-05: Nashville Zoo Opposes Adjacent DC BLOX Data Center Over Wildlife Impact

The Nashville Zoo is challenging a DC BLOX data center planned next to its grounds, citing noise and light risks to clouded leopards and other wildlife; a petition has amassed over 500,000 signatures.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nashville-zoo-opposes-adjacent-dc-blox-data-center-over-wildlife-impact

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Cite as: Nashville zoo vs data center. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nashville-zoo-vs-data-center