Crews Hard At Work On New Exhibit At Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is set to reopen after six weeks of being closed for maintenance and construction.
But, crews are hard at work working on a brand new exhibit.
Despite the recent bitter cold, crews are turning dirt and clearing the way for "The Islands."
"Every single animal that we're going to have in The Islands is an endangered species," Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium President and CEO Dr. Barbara Baker said.
There will be Philippine crocodiles - one of the most endangered reptile species on Earth.
Plus, there will be young clouded leopards, warty pigs and more.
"We're also going to feature siamangs, which are these fabulous large, lesser apes that fly through the trees and make this huge vocalization," Dr. Baker said.
In addition to the unique animals, the 22,000 square foot exhibit will have an island atmosphere with tall trees, waterfalls and ponds.
"It's an area of the zoo that has not been open since 1991. We closed this area of the zoo in 1991 and if people are thinking about, where are they talking about, it's actually above what used to be our old restaurant," Dr. Baker said.
It will be located next to the zoo's new restaurant, the Jambo Grill, which has been under construction for months.
The African-themed grill with indoor and patio seating is scheduled to open on Memorial Day.
As far as The Islands next door, this will be the first new major exhibit at the zoo in seven years.
"We're really excited about being able to work with those animals, to educate the public about these animals because they're going to see some of the rarest species in the world, when they come to see The Islands exhibit," Dr. Baker said.
The new exhibit is set to open in June.
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