Elmwood Park Zoo Holds Grand Opening For 'Trail Of The Jaguar'

NORRISTOWN, PA -- The big day is finally here: the Grand Opening of the Elmwood Park Zoo's newest exhibit, the Trail of the Jaguar, is Friday. The exhibit features some of the zoo's youngest and most exciting residents, jaguar cubs Luna and Diego, who were just born in January.

The cubs share the exhibit with their mother, Inka. The exhibit was designed by the architects of Disney's Animal Kingdom and features multiple indoor and outdoor viewing areas. Other features of the exhibit include rock formations, an eagle nest, fallen trees, a running waterfall and pool, thematic areas, and a training tower.

The exhibit is themed after the American southwest, where jaguars have been found. Buildings and walls have the appearance of adobe, and walls are made of mesquite and acacia branches. Other species, like ocelots, pack rats, Montezuma quail, and a variety of reptiles and amphibians, are located throughout the exhibit.

Jaguars have been a part of Elmwood's identity since the 1990's, when their now iconic logo was changed to include a big cat.

Both cubs have been described as "vocal and healthy." Diego reportedly has his mother's love of play, and is the more adventurous cub.

Elmwood Park Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Norristown residents can visit the zoo for free on the first Sunday of every month, including this Sunday, May 7.

Image via Janet Miner, Elmwood Park Zoo