Some residents of the Phoenix Zoo are moving to upgraded digs soon.
On April 5, the zoo will celebrate the grand opening of Big Cats of Arizona: A Bridge to Arizona Wilderness, a new habitat for its mountain lions and jaguars.
The exhibit comes with benefits for the cats and the public. The habitat, which features multiple viewing angles and windows, will improve the visibility of the cats for the guests. It also includes the Zoo’s first-ever “catwalk,” allowing guests to walk directly below the big cats as they move overhead in the space.
Big Cats of Arizona will provide a larger and more enriching enclosure for Caipora and Saban, the zoo's jaguars, and Sierra and Mystic, its pair of mountain lion sisters.
“Big Cats of Arizona is an exciting and necessary expansion that will not only enhance the well-being of these incredible animals but also provide unparalleled experience for our guests,” Bert Castro, president and CEO of the Phoenix Zoo, said in a press release. “Mountain lions and jaguars are vital parts of Arizona’s ecosystem, yet they are rarely seen in the wild. This new habitat will allow us to educate the public about their historical ranges and the importance of conserving these species for future generations.”
The $5.3 million project is scheduled to be completed in March. When it's done, the zoo will move the animals into their new home to get them used to their new space.
"While they are adjusting to their new surroundings, they will not be immediately visible to the public," the zoo said in a press release. "This transition period is essential to ensure they feel comfortable and secure before they are introduced to zoo members and guests."
Zoo members can see the new habitat on Thursday, April 4 and Friday, April 5, from 9 a.m. to noon; it opens to the public at 12:30 p.m. on April 5.