SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The NEW Zoo in Suamico is getting ready to welcome visitors in a whole different way.
Plans for a new canopy walkway system will give people a unique way to experience the facility.
“It’s going to be an exciting new experience for our visitors. Really, a way to connect with the zoo, on a completely different level, literally,” said Neil Anderson, NEW Zoo & Adventure Park Director.
Anderson says the new walkway features a 1,700-foot long, one-way trip 22-feet above the ground.
“You’re going to be able to come down from our adventure park, and then go out over some of the zoo exhibits,” he said.
That includes the African Lions, and the penguins too.
“It’s going to be interesting to see the lions and the penguins, from 20 feet above them, where they inhabit,” said Gary Ehrbar, NEW Zoological Society President.
Ehrbar helps manage donations for the $460,000 project. He says about $180,000 have been raised so far.
“This one was a little bit easier, just because it was such a unique project. We still have a little bit of work to do, but we’ve had some great support already, and I anticipate that that support will continue,” said Ehrbar.
Zoo leaders say at a couple exhibits, there are plans to build a second walkway for the animals too.
“The next thing, you got a snow leopard that’s walking along by you. You’re experiencing that animal, you’re understanding how that animal moves, and lurks, and the beauty of that animal, but it’s your experience,” said Anderson.
Anderson says there will be platforms along the way, where people will be able to learn about the animals, and the history of the NEW Zoo, and Reforestation Camp.
“We are planning to go ahead and go under construction as of October. So, it’s going to happen,” he said.
Anderson says the NEW Zoo & Adventure Park typically attracts about 225,000 visitors each year.
He says the facility is on a record pace for attendance this year.
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