First building of Omaha zoo's $73 million addition opened yesterday (the world's best!)

And the world's best zoo is ... By Chuck Thompson, CNN

updated 4:24 AM EDT, Wed August 13, 2014: http://www.cnn.com/2014/08/05/travel/tripadvisor-best-zoos/




BRENDAN SULLIVAN/THE WORLD-HERALD
A look through an image of an elephant printed on a mesh net covering a chain linked fence where crews work on the $73 million African Grasslands project at the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium.


http://www.omaha.com/go/first-building-of-omaha-zoo-s-million-addition-opens-today/article_78335468-f04d-11e4-bedb-67391b8b93be.html

Video 1: http://studio.omaha.com/?ndn.trackingGroup=91341&ndn.siteSection=omahawh_ent_non_sty_pp&ndn.videoId=28511295&freewheel=91341&sitesection=omahawh_ent_non_sty_pp&vid=28511295

POSTED: SATURDAY, MAY 23, 2015 1:00 AM
By Chris Peters / World-Herald staff writer

The first building of the Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium’s $73 million African Grasslands project is open.

The African Lodge, located in the southwest portion of the zoo, serves as the main gathering place for the African Grasslands.

The structure is modeled after lodges in African savannas. A high pitched roof is built up to code with plywood but is lined on the outside with plastic thatch shingles. Inside, sconces and a shield-like centerpiece will light the room. Opposite the rounded dining area is an oversized stone faux fireplace.

“It’s sort of the iconic architecture of Africa,” said Dennis Pate, the zoo’s CEO and executive director. “I think it helps tell you where you are in the zoo.”

Video 2: http://studio.omaha.com/?ndn.trackingGroup=91341&ndn.siteSection=omahalanding&ndn.videoId=29001783&freewheel=91341&sitesection=omahalanding&vid=29001783

FULL story at link.