Chaffee Zoo unveils new "African Adventures" exhibit to members

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- Zoo officials Monday, unveiled the highly anticipated "African Adventures" exhibit to its members.

After months of construction, the exhibit opened to zoo members.

"Those giraffes running through the water, frolicking really, and then running. It was incredible. It was breath taking. I was speechless," said Jan Bailey a visitor to the zoo. She couldn't believe the sights at the new exhibit.

When the gates opened to members at nine, people filled the zoo and couldn't wait for a first look.

"Gotta see some cheetahs, first time we've had a lion and I heard we're getting a hippo soon. I cant wait," said Joann Cook, zoo visitor.

CEO Scott Barton has been dreaming of this day for the past four years." We have an incredible mix of species so rhinos living with giraffes, living with impala and ostrich all in the same space. Wildebeest, and spring buck. Its amazing to see the savanna life in front of you." Monday, he saw people of all ages enjoying this new chapter for the zoo.

Terry Long, a visitor to the zoo, stated, "This is more than anyone would expect in Fresno. The zoo has always been really good, but this just made it fantastic."

The nearly $56- million expansion project was paid for by Measure "Z".

From the rhinos to the elephants and more, the African Adventures exhibit is already wowing crowds. You can see this exhibit on Thursday when it opens to the public.