The Authority shall have the following rights and duties: (a) To acquire, own, construct, lease, operate and maintain zoological buildings, office buildings and associated facilities and grounds, to fix and collect just, reasonable and nondiscriminatory charges for the use of such facilities, and to lease air space over and appurtenant to such facilities. The charges so collected shall be made available to defray the reasonable expenses of the Authority and to pay the principal of and the interest upon any bonds issued by the Authority.
     (b) To enter into contracts treating in any manner with the objects and purposes of this Division.