The Milwaukee County Zoo will soon have a new hippo exhibit featuring a large, glassed-in aquarium that is expected to cost up to $12 million, completely funded by the Dohmen Family Foundation. Zoogoers will be able to watch hippos swimming from just inches away in the new underwater viewing exhibit.

The current exhibit houses two hippos who live in an outdoor yard with a pond. The new space will allow for three adult hippos and several juveniles.

This exhibit fits with the Zoo’s mission to provide excellent animal habitats and upgraded facilities,” said Davis. “The Zoo and the ZSM are extremely grateful to Mary Dohmen and Robert Dohmen for this wonderful gift to the entire Milwaukee community.”

Some video of the zoo:

Visit the Milwaukee Zoo website: http://www.milwaukeezoo.org/