Zoo opens Rhino Care Center, unveils cleaner train engine and new point-of-sale system

Zoo leaders said the new Rhino Care Center outdoor habitat opened May 2 and that indoor accommodations for the hippo and the completed rhino habitat improve guest viewing and winter operations. "May 2, we opened our outdoor habitats at the new Rhino Care Center," a zoo presenter said.

Staff also described equipment and operational upgrades: a new diesel train engine, the first new engine for the zoo in 33 years, that staff said reduces criteria pollutant emissions by about 70% and meets EPA cleanest-diesel standards; a new point-of-sale system implemented at the end of April with mobile wallet payments; and an ongoing front-entrance and ticketing redesign expected to finish by July 2027.