Just in time for the height of the summer tourist season the San Diego Zoo has open one of the most ambitious attractions ever. The new Africa Rocks exhibit stretches to the heart of this you and is meant to re-create six different animal habitats. The first part of the exhibit opened last weekend and joining me is Rick Schwartz the global ambassador for the San Diego Zoo. What was the aim in the design of the rocks exhibit question mark It is something that the St. Ignace was 100 years old and we have to update parts as we can. We were looking at the Canyon there were a lot we wanted to do with. Then how can we sort of reinvent the experience for guests and also maximize the education content and we care for the animals also. So the idea of Africa Rocks was born. We did African exhibits before. This is an opportunity to really shine a spotlight on species that is as important and amazing to look at and learn out -- about. A big draw for Africa Rocks is the Penguins. It's called the penguin each experience. Can you tell us about that. We haven't had Penguins for the last 35 years. As you walk into the area your first of three experiences with the Penguins is underwater viewing so it's 170 feet of glass and stretches 13 feet high and you will see the 20 African penguin swimming among the sharks. Your next level as you go up is a split level underwater and above water viewing. They really seem to be enjoying the guest desk is coming up to the glass and then the other area is the rock in the beach. It is a warm weather and warm climate penguin and they do nest on the beach. As apart from this habitat, what are some of the other habitats on Africa Rocks was right Starting at the top of the Canyon is her African KOBI. They have a wide variety of unique species in a desert climate. So sort of an away sis. For the down you will have the Ethiopian Highlands. They are unique monkey species living in Ethiopia. It is so diverse and so amazing. These are grass eating monkeys. We are excited to have them. Moving down you will have some monkey species in the Madagascar forest I'm very excited for. Will have several different species and then west African forest for the dwarf crocodiles and fish in countless bird species. The idea is that as they go through the different regions, they will experience not just thing the animals. They've done an amazing job going to Africa and propagating plans from the regions. So as you walk through you see the plant life not just the animals. There is a waterfall and it has really been impressive to see. That part is open. Penguins are open and then the waterfall. It's 65 feet from top to bottom. We are recirculating water and it helps Brigid that from south Africa from the west African the field. People have been loving it. There are some African animals who have been at the San Diego Zoo for a long time. Are some going to be relocated into this new exhibit. Certainly. We have been working with other zoos. We've worked with the world to acquire the sharks and then other species are ones that have been residents at the zoo before and they are waiting for the new home to get the finishing touches. Weiss the opening of phases? We were hoping to open it all at once but with the unplanned rain delays that we had due to the large storms, we decided to open in phases. X section of the public has become increasingly uneasy with the notion of keeping animals in the zoo. How does his address those concerns question We've also taken a lot of pride in the fact that we try to make sure that they understand how animal care is done. They get to go behind the scenes and they can see how elephant care is done right there. We are leader in animal care and very proud of that IRCA we acknowledge that we have to be very aware of animal welfare. These are living creatures and we take personal responsibility for them to and that the message about how we can save these animals in extinction. We have several conservation programs throughout Africa and one which we are looking -- working closely with. Penguins in the wild face a lot of challenges. The beaches where they have their nest but that's what they use for nesting. We are very active in all of that and it is therefore the guests to see. Are there any tips about the best way to experience African rocks. Take your time. People get very excited and they want to rush. So take your time and find a spot and hang out and enjoy it echo get there early and plan to spend the day. What kind of feedback have you gotten much Mark I know it's been open since last Saturday but what are you hearing from people love came in and seen the section that is open now? They are loving it. I've gone down there and watched them interacting with the Penguins in the sharks and everything else. People are taking selfies and having so much fun. The best way to say in our social media world is go to the hashtag and people are using it to post their pictures. I've been speaking with Rick Schwartz the global ambassador for the San Diego Zoo. Thank you so much. Thank you.
Just in time for the height of the summer tourist season, the San Diego Zoo has opened one of its most ambitious attractions to date.
The new, $68 million, Africa Rocks exhibit stretches through the heart of the zoo and is meant to recreate six different animal habitats from the African continent.
Africa Rocks focuses on lesser known animals from the continent including baboons, leopards, lemurs and endangered African penguins. The penguin habitat features a 200,000-gallon pool. There's also a 65-foot tall waterfall and various rock formations unique to each habitat.
“We’ve done African exhibits before, you go to the Safari Park, and you see all the usual well known animals, and this is an opportunity to really shine the spotlight on species that are just as important and just as amazing to look at and learn about but not as widely known to the general public," said Rick Schwartz, an ambassador for the San Diego Zoo.
The penguin attraction opened last weekend. The other habitats will open in phases.
Schwartz, discusses Thursday on Midday Edition, how this exhibit fits with the San Diego zoo’s global conservation efforts.
