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New accommodations coming to the zoo

Posted at 7:08 PM, Mar 12, 2018
and last updated 2018-03-12 20:08:23-04

The Henry Doorly Zoo wants to better accommodate its guests.

"They are going to have a place to relax, clean wash rooms to use, moms are going to have a nursing area, shaded seating and a lot more of it," said Dennis Pate. 

Pate says the Red Barn is one of the oldest areas at the zoo and in need of major updates.

"The rest rooms are inadequate, food services are inadequate, there aren't enough places for people to sit down," said Pate.

"We are having infrastructure problems," said Pate.

They want to update that, but also give visitors the best customer experience.

"Nothing here is being lost, it's either already been captured elsewhere in the zoo or added in other areas," said Pate. 

Its a way to help you get around the zoo easier, with guest services at your convenience.

"I hate walking, and since you have to walk a lot in the zoo, it's nice to have something closer instead of having to walk all the way to the top," said Samantha Huckleberry.

It will have large family rest rooms and a concession area to accommodate 500 guest.

Pate says it's a real need for one of the zoo's busiest areas.

"There's a couple places to eat here, but I feel like it will be nice to just have more variety of food or what not," said Elijah Dupre.

The project is expected to be completed by Spring 2019. 

"We still have plenty of time and we are working on the design right now," said Pate.