FORT WAYNE, Ind. (WOWO): Guests at the Fort Wayne Children's Zoo can experience The Reef exhibit that opens on Friday.
“The Reef” features a 17,000-gallon saltwater tank depicting Australia's Great Barrier Reef.
The completely renovated section of the Australian Adventure exhibit also includes a 50,000-gallon shark tank. The Reef is part of a $7 million renovation that was completely funded by donations.
According to a press release, phase 2 of the Australian Adventure renovation includes an all-new Stingray Bay, which is currently under construction. Stingray Bay occupies the former Nocturnal Building, and opening is planned for late July.
In 2016, Phase 3 of the Australian Adventure renovation will completely upgrade the current Outback and include a play stream called Crocodile Creek, new bird aviaries, a new reptile exhibit, and renovations to the River Ride, kangaroo yard, and dingo exhibit. The zoo is also scheduled to receive Tasmanian devils from Australia in late 2015 as part of an Australian government program aimed at protecting this species. Wild Tasmanian devils are under severe threat from a deadly transmissible cancer. Their exhibit will open in 2016 as part of Phase 3.
