The San Diego Zoo will break ground for Conrad Prebys Africa Rocks, which is the largest expansion in Zoo history on Wednesday.
This $68 million project will transform eight acres of the Zoo, replacing 1930s-era grottos and cages (formerly known as Cat and Dog Canyon) with new habitat for African plant and animal species that range from savanna to shore.
Africa Rocks will be a home to African penguins as the Zoo begins its participation in an international species survival plan for these endangered aquatic birds.
The Africa Rocks project is funded by the generosity of more than 6,500 individual donors. Many contributed as part of the Rady Challenge, which generated nearly one-third of the funds needed.