Back in May, we learned about the National Zoo’s desire to install an aerial tram, similar to the one at the San Diego Zoo (pictured left). Today, the Examiner and AP are reporting that massive, 20-year long $1 billion master plan to renovate the Zoo has been approved, and it includes installing the aerial tram.

In addition to the sky tram, the master plan also increases exhibit space from 35 to 47 acres by repurposing surface parking lots and constructing a new 300-space underground garage. The restructuring would increase the total number of parking spaces from 868 to 1,285. The Examiner quotes D.C. planning director Harriet Tregoning as questioning why the Zoo is placing such a big emphasis on increasing the amount of parking, instead of encouraging visitors to use Metro, which stops right in front of the Zoo entrance.

Parking battles aside, the aerial tram sounds pretty awesome. As for a timeframe on how long it’ll be before it’s constructed, the project will still need to clear other bureaucratic and financing hurdles before it becomes a reality.