Zoo Miami Unveils New Entrance

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) - Before you get to the monkeys, tigers and the other 3,000 animals inside Zoo Miami, you'll see $19 million worth of renovations to the animal park's entrance.

"This really is a great first impression for the zoo. Beautiful trees, flamingos and giant cut outs of animals. I think it gives a great first impression to Zoo Miami," said Zoo Miami's Ron Magill.

The new 1.5 acre entry plaza means their iconic flamingos are back in their former home. There are also a number of upgrades including misters to help cool you off amidst colorful life-size animal silhouettes, a new ticket center and a 3,500 square-foot gift shop.

"We have this incredible gift shop. When you look inside the gift shop you have a dollar pencil that lights to $500 pieces of art, one of kind from artisans form around the world," said Magill.

The new entry was not the only construction project at the zoo. Crews are still working on the new $32 million "Florida: Mission Everglades" project.

"Bald eagles, crocodiles, otters, animals we don't get to see, you can now," said Magill. "And we'll have an airboat ride."

Florida: Mission Everglades is slated to open in the fall.