Philadelphia Zoo Breaks Ground On New Children's Zoo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Groundbreaking ceremonies were held this morning at the Philadelphia Zoo for the new Children's Zoo, which is scheduled to open in April 2013.
The new Hamilton Family Children's Zoo and Education Center, will take up over two-and-a-half acres in the center of the Philadelphia Zoo. It will be year-round and its indoor activities will be housed in the old Pachyderm House.
"We want to make sure we pair up the emphasis on conservation and what people can do with the joyful experience of enjoying time with families; something that is joyful in a multi-generational way, but also one that helps people understand that they can make a difference in their everyday actions," says Vic Dewan, zoo president.
The new Children's Zoo will include a playground and a goat climb and special heritage breed goats, chickens and sheep.
Nine-year-old Cassandra is looking forward to the new zoo, "I want to be one of the first ones there, the first day it opens."
The new zoo will be larger and year round and hold indoor activities in the old Pachyderm House.
"I miss the elephants but they're gone for a good cause," says 10-year-old Nia.
Reported by Karin Phillips, KYW Newsradio 1060
