184.500.  Definitions — As used in sections 184.500 to 184.512, unless the context clearly requires otherwise, the following terms mean:

  (1)  "Commission", the governing body of the Kansas City Zoological District;

  (2)  "Eligible charter county", any county with a charter form of government and with more than six hundred thousand but fewer than seven hundred thousand inhabitants;

  (3)  "Eligible county or eligible counties", any eligible charter county or eligible noncharter county;

  (4)  "Eligible noncharter county", any county of the first classification with more than one hundred eighty-four thousand but fewer than one hundred eighty-eight thousand inhabitants, any county of the first classification with more than seventy-three thousand seven hundred but fewer than seventy-three thousand eight hundred inhabitants, and any county of the first classification with more than eighty-two thousand but fewer than eighty-two thousand one hundred inhabitants;

  (5)  "District", a political subdivision of this state, to be known as "The Kansas City Zoological District", which shall be created under the provisions of sections 184.500 to 184.512 and composed of eligible counties which act to create, or to become a part of, the district in accordance with the provisions of section 184.503;

  (6)  "Organizations", nonprofit and tax exempt social, civic, or community organizations and associations that are dedicated to the development, provision, operation, supervision, promotion, or support of zoological activities;

  (7)  "Zoological activities", the establishment and maintenance of zoological facilities and related buildings; acquisition and care of species for display and study in a zoological facility; educational and cultural programs relating to zoological matters; artistic, historical, intellectual, or social programs that relate to zoological matters; and such other collateral activities as may be necessary to maintain and carry out other activities provided under sections 184.500 to 184.512;

  (8)  "Zoological facilities", facilities operated or used for participation or engagement in zoological activities.