Zoo unveils new exhibit

By: Associated Press | Thursday, June 2, 2005 11:25 PM PDT ∞

SAN DIEGO -- San Diego Zoo officials are unveiling a $28.5 million renovation of a 3-acre habitat for birds, monkeys, leopards, reptiles, insects and pygmy hippos.

The multilevel display, known as Joan B. Kroc's Monkey Trails and Forest Tales exhibit, is the most elaborate habitat ever created at the facility, according to zoo officials.

It is modeled after the forests of Africa and Asia and offers treetop and ground level views of wildlife.

Monkey Trails and Forest Tales, opening Friday, is the final element of the renovation know as the Heart of the Zoo project, which began in 2001.

It included replacing monkey and bird cages dating to 1922 and relocating an 80-foot ficus tree from across the park.

The renovation was funded through donations, which included $10 million from the estate of Joan Kroc in 2004.

The San Diego City Council approved a plan in 2004 to expand the zoo's exhibits to its 25-acre parking lot and create an underground parking structure.

The project cannot move forward until the city approves plans to fund its $300 million portion of the project.

The Zoological Society of San Diego would have to raise between $100 million and $200 million to contribute to the cost of the proposed expansion.

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