Rolling Hills Zoo Breaks Ground on Pride of the Prairie Addition

It was a brisk Friday afternoon, but that didn't stop supporters of Rolling Hills Zoo as they continue to expand upon their mission.

Ground was broke on the new Pride of the Prairie experience that will soon offer guests an up close opportunity with Rolling Hills Zoo lions.

Lindra Henderson, Director of Development and Marketing of RHZ, welcomed guests. "Our donors are the heart and soul of our Zoo. Without them, we couldn't do any of this."

Executive Director Ryan VanZant joined the Zoo ten months ago. He explained that a grant had been awarded to improve the front of the lion exhibit. "It seemed like a great first project to attack. Our supporters were really hungry for something like this. The goal was to double the first grant, and in the end we more than tripled the initial grant toward this exhibit."

A year from now, the lion den will look a lot different. A cave-like structure will be for humans to enter, with a lion sitting just feet above your head. Keeper Encounters will be closer. The plan is to more than double the current space up to 20,000 square feet.

A male lion will also be introduced to the Zoo’s pride, with the hope of cubs in the future.

While the construction project is being completed, the current lion residents will be housed in the leopard area, on the other side of the Zoo.

Some very special guests turned out for the dirt turning, including Carolyn Walker, the wife of Rolling Hills Zoo founder, the late Charlie Walker.

"It's unbelievable that this day is finally here. 246 donors helped make this happen," Walker stated. "Charlie loved sharing his love of animals. From the day he said let's open a Zoo I knew it was never going to be a project that's stagnant. Charlie would be proud. If he was here today, he'd be smiling."

The project is being built by Hutton Contruction. Jason Gillick said a few words.

"Our favorite type of project is one that allows us to deliver on the purpose of why we exist as a company. That is to build life into our team members dreams, our customer's visions, and our community's future. I can't think of a project that meets those criteria better than working with the Rolling Hills Zoo on this lion exhibit. We look forward to seeing you in 5 months for a ribbon cutting."

The design for Pride of the Prairie is being brought to life by the architects of Jones Gillam Renz.

All parties involved then broke ground on the project to end the ceremony.