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Cheyenne Mountain Zoo set to unveil new Africa exhibit as soon as it can reopen

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COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) -- The sounds of hippo “laughs” are once again echoing from the side of Cheyenne Mountain.

Last week, two hippos returned to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo to be the stars of a brand new exhibit called Water’s Edge. But, with current restrictions due to COVID-19, when will people officially be able to see this new exhibit?

As of now, the opening of the zoo and the new Water’s Edge: Africa exhibit is still up in the air. But on Wednesday, we were able to get a behind the scenes look of what people can expect when the zoo does open.

Known for providing interactive experiences with animals and guests, Water’s Edge: Africa is set to blow people away with its level of engagement.

Jeremy Dillon, Animal Care Manager for Water’s Edge said the idea was “to design an exhibit that would reduce some of the barriers between us and the animals and allow the animals to really be showcased and make that connection with the public and the guests when they visit.”

Along with the hippos, eleven African penguins arrived at Water’s Edge just last month, and nine more are on the way.

“It’s a species we’ve always been involved in. Our guests have always loved seeing penguins at the zoo so it was really important for us to bring them back and give them an even better place to live,” said Dillon.

And even though the zoo was thrown a major curve ball earlier this year when they had to close due to COVID-19, it was important that work on the exhibit continued.

Dillon said, “We know that we are a big part of this community and we really, really wanted to be able to have it open when we opened back up for the guests so that people could come and enjoy this.”

As for when the zoo will open, that remains to be seen. But, changes to everyday activity is expected.

Rachel Wright, Public Relations Manager with CMZ said, “I think like anyone else, we are taking the information as we get it and we will just process all of that and open up as soon as we can and welcome everybody back at the right time. But as of right now, under the current restrictions, we are temporarily closed until further notice.

The zoo says they hope to have a better understanding of when they can reopen in the coming days, we will be sure to keep you updated.

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Kolby Crossley

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