Looked What Dropped In At Stone Zoo

There's nothing like making a grand entrance. But for the Stone Zoo, that was always a challenge. The current entrance to the zoo is hardly grand, eye-catching, or even all that welcoming. Let's just call it functional.

But all that will change soon after the arrival Thursday of the new ticket booth, rest rooms, and gift shop. Hoisted up by a massive crane, the new facilities were gently lowered into place under sunny skies and workers began the process of bringing it all to life. If everything goes as planned, the new entrance will be open for business July 4th.

Work on the foundation has been going on for months. As the old gift shop is converted into the new Animal Discovery Center (ADC), the current gift shop is located in a nearby tent. The new ADC is expected to open soon as well, giving the 26-acre zoo another attraction for visitors.