The NEW Zoo hosts a groundbreaking ceremony for the expansion of the giraffe exhibit and the new snow leopard exhibit, December 19, 2022. PC: Fox 11 Online
SUAMICO, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — Two NEW Zoo exhibits are getting an upgrade.
The zoo broke ground on its animal buildings project Monday.
The plans include a new snow leopard enclosure and an addition on the current giraffe building.
The new 912-square-foot snow leopard building will replace the old structure, originally built in 1994 for baboons.
Jessica Hutjens, the senior keeper of the snow leopards, says the new exhibit will have more space and climbing structures and will also have modern invisible mesh in the front so visitors can get a better view of them.
The snow leopard project — including the building, caging, fencing and other costs related to the project — will cost $767,912.
And the giraffe building expansion nearby will also give visitors a better view of the tall animals. The addition will encompass 3,640 square feet of indoor exercise space and additional hay storage, giving the zoo the space it needs to welcome more giraffes in the future.
It will also give visitors a behind-the-scenes look for private viewings and interactive, educational encounters with the giraffes.
The giraffe expansion project — including the building, security system and fencing costs — will total more than $1 million.
Hutjens thanked project lead donors Lee and Kathy Anderson for helping bring the project to fruition. Combined, the two projects cost almost $1.8 million.
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