Zoo's New "The Islands" Exhibit Finally Ready To Start Welcoming Visitors
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- The newest exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium will soon be ready for visitors.
"The Islands" features cascading waterfalls and shady palm trees, as well as a new group of endangered animals to get up-close with.
They're a little shy, but the warty pigs are getting used to their new home.
"We've never had warty pigs here before and they're fabulous animals," said Dr. Barbara Baker, the president of the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.
And they have some company.
"Every species that you see here is an endangered species," said Dr. Baker.
From the Philippine crocodile, the world's most endangered reptile, to the clouded leopards and the Galapagos tortoises, the zoo is excited to welcome the new members of "The Islands" exhibit.
"We wanted to feature these animals so we could educate people about the wonderful animals that are found on the islands all throughout the world," Dr. Baker said.
Watch time lapse video of the construction of "The Islands" here:
You can relax in a beach chair and feel the sand between your toes, or grab a snack at the Jambo Grill; both are features that will highlight the tropical life.
"When you're doing something new at the zoo, you're trying to create a world and an experience that our visitors have never seen before," Dr. Baker said.
Make your plans now; the zoo's year-long, $3 million project will finally welcome visitors starting Saturday.
Join The Conversation On The KDKA Facebook Page
Stay Up To Date, Follow KDKA On Twitter
