Zoo Atlanta Embarks to Build New Reptile Complex

Zoo Atlanta filed a building permit application with city officials as part of its plans to construct a new amphibian and reptile complex.

The new structure would replace the 51-year-old World of Reptiles building, the oldest structure at the zoo.

"This is an exciting early step in a process to create a state-of-the-art experience showcasing one of the nation’s largest and most diverse collections of reptiles and amphibians from around the world, and it will replace a structure familiar to many Atlantans from childhood," Zoo Atlanta said in a statement.

"Logistics and details of the construction process are still being finalized."

What Now Atlanta reported Zoo Atlanta's plans call for the construction of a 14,956-square-foot building that will cost an estimated $10.8 million.

The plans are part of several long-term changes planned at Zoo Atlanta, which expects to hit 1 million visitors this year.

All of the changes are designed to make the zoo accesible to more people, improve the customer experience through exhibits that allow for more hands-on use, and modernize the zoo, Raymond B. King, Zoo Atlanta's president and chief executive, said in a January interview with East Atlanta Patch.