Progress Continues On New Zoo Exhibit

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Crews are continuing to make progress on a new exhibit at the Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium.

Zoo officials showed off the latest round of additions to "The Islands" set to open in June.

"This is phase one of a four-phase project," said Bradley Smith, the director of construction management.

As part of "Hard Hat Day," visitors got to talk to the building expert and kids got a chance at an up-close look at the machines that are being used to build the addition.

The Islands will take up 22,000 square feet and house several kinds of endangered animals, including Philippine crocodiles.

Plus, there will be young clouded leopards, Visayan warty pigs and more.

"People will be able to get probably within about 26 feet of the siamang primates," said Smith. "Clouded leopards, folks will be able to get nose to nose. You're going to feel like you're in an island-themed area."

Officials say the foundation of the exhibit has been set and walls and a roof will be going up soon.

"The Islands" will be the first new major exhibit to open at the zoo in seven years.

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