Parakeets, alpacas, and lizards - oh my. Those are some of the new additions to the Niabi Zoo this year, which opens for the season this Saturday.
Zoo Director Lee Jackson says visitors can expect new animals and exhibits this year.
"We have miniatures donkeys, we have alpacas, we've got a new outdoor exhibit for our North American porcupine."
Visitors can expect to see the new miniature donkeys, alpaca llamas, and a new reptile house exhibit on Saturday, but Jackson says there are more additions to come during the summer months.
One of the big changes will be a new biodiversity hall, adapted from the old Aviary Building, which should be ready in a week or two.
"That building will now hold animals ranging from invertebrates all the way up to mammals so were going to be making improvements in that building and adding new species as well."
In May, Niabi will welcome giant tortoises and 200 parakeets. In June, the zoo will unveil a new exhibit called Oceans, featuring a giant octopus, a moray eel, and jelly fish.
Niabi Zoo, located in Coal Valley, will be open seven days a week from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.