The Chattanooga Zoo has officially completed "Africa Phase II," a $3.9 million development as part of the master plan that has been in the works since 2013 to expand the zoo + become a leading attraction in the city. Enter: The Cape of Africa.

President and CEO Darde Long, who has been with the zoo since 1985 in various roles, said the first phase got off the ground in 2020 when they were able to bring in giraffes. Now, with its largest expansion to date, she said folks will get a new zoo experience.

"When I walk in the zoo, I see a different place altogether," Long said. "The old entryway coming in was nice but [...] now when you walk in, you also see this great immersive exhibit that feels and looks like Africa."

The expansion also allows for some of the zoo's well-known ambassadors to relocate to larger + permanent enclosures. There's serval things to talk about, so let's get to it.

Giraffes
We're sure you've seen George, Porter + Hardee Star during a feeding experience or in the Giraffe Barn. Now, once you enter the zoo, you will see these long-necked creatures front and center.

Bonus: Long hinted that a fourth giraffe could soon join the group.

Expect authentic African imagery, colors, textures, sounds + iconography that pair with the species represented in the exhibit. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Servals
The zoo's two ambassadors, sisters Kiumbe and Kibeti, will now have a large enclosure equipped with tall tree-like structures to help encourage their jumping skills + other enrichment materials.

Cape porcupines
The zoo's Prickles family will now have their own enclosure that mimics the desert floors of their natural habitats in Central + South Africa, where this species is known to be the largest rodent in its region.

"While we're here to entertain, our most important function is to educate people on the 'why' of the zoo and our conservation work." — Darde Long. | Photo by NOOGAtoday

Warthogs
Through the Cape of Africa development, the zoo was able to bring its first warthog, Everett, to the grounds + has plans to find him a female counterpart in the future.

You're probably thinking "What is phase three?" Long said that since it's been over 10 years since the master plan was drafted, and they will be working on an updated version in the coming months to reassess updates and upgrades. Make sure you stay tuned for our coverage.