Chattanooga Zoo breaks ground on Cape Africa exhibit

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- The Chattanooga Zoo broke ground on its Cape Africa exhibit this morning.

The community helped kickoff their Charging Forward campaign, which has a $2.5-million-dollar budget.

This expansion will bring in a variety of African animals to the zoo.

Cape porcupines, Warthogs and Servals are all on their way to the Scenic City.

“I mean we bring animals here so that people can see them and experience them- without having to travel too far. All these animals are ambassadors, and we’re working to conserve their habitats and their species. So, they’re really doing a good job for us- by being here in Chattanooga,” said Darde Long, President and CEO of The Chattanooga Zoo.

The Zoo’s new Porcupines are named “Tommy” and “Pookie Prickles.”

Both animals were more than content with their new habitat.

This project should be finished by Spring of 2024.