A newly renovated ocelot exhibit was opened Friday in the Feline Building at Hogle Zoo.
The new construction is the first phase of several renovations planned for the building and the first major improvement since the structure was opened in 1970.The exhibit now features a naturalistic environment that closely resembles the ocelot's habitat in the wild. New den areas were constructed to allow the felines to feel secure and still remain visible. Replacement foliage will allow the ocelots to continually sharpen their claws on new trees, zoo officials said.
New murals, fabricated trees, detailed rock work and recirculating water are among other new features in the renovation, which cost approximately $1,400.
"This is a forerunner for the type of immersion exhibit that we plan for the entire building. Remaining renovations in the Feline Building will be completed as funds become available," said zoo director LaMar Farnsworth.
New homes for the tigers, lions, leopards, servals, margays, cougars, jaguars and geoffrey's cats are among other renovations planned.