Within several months, visitors will have easier access to The Buffalo Zoo.
Local elected leaders joined Zoo President Donna Fernandes Thursday morning to break ground on a new entry plaza. Fernandes says it will be safer because it's located directly off the parking lot in the former Children's Zoo building.
"We had to relocate the entrance. One reason was safety," said Fernandes.
Fernandes said the $3.8 million entry plaza will include a new membership office, a gift shop, a cafe for Zoo visitors and park users, and additional restrooms. It is slated to open in late spring of 2013.
"We'll have a new cafe for people. There will be new restrooms, gift shop and new water feature," said Fernades. "The first thing you will see is our new sea lion exhibit."
The new zoo entrance should be completed by spring.