MIAMI – A party was thrown at Zoo Miami Friday for a new artistic entry plaza. The project was two years in the making.
"People are going to come in here (and) they’re going to see these wonderful, colorful, life sized animals," said Zoo Miami spokesman Ron Magill. "You're going to see live flamingos before you even enter the Zoo. This is the first time ever you can come to the zoo without buying a ticket and actually seeing a beautiful exhibit."
The $19 million project includes a 3D Zoo Miami sign, colorful animal silhouettes, a 50-foot Zoo Miami tower that lights up and a new gift shop that Miami-Dade County Mayor Carlos Gimenez was thrilled about.
"It's a great project," Gimenez said. "It enhances the experience. I am really happy to be here and I will bring my grandchildren more."
"This is just hopefully a great open door," Magill said. "When that gate opens, it's an open window to come and see and enjoy the world of the wildlife."