The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has announced plans for the largest project in its history.On Friday, zoo officials said the $70 million project, called African Grasslands, will enter the first phase of construction this summer."African Grasslands will be a full immersion outdoor habitat featuring breathtaking panoramic views and long vistas of grasslands teeming with African wildlife," the zoo said.The zoo said it will use grasses, acacia-like trees, rock kopjes and minimal barriers to provide unobstructed views of the animals. New restrooms, food service and visitor activities will be carefully planned along the path.The project will provide exhibits for elephant, giraffe, white rhino, cheetah, impala, zebra and more, including mixed species habitats, pools for animals and interactive demonstration areas.The elephant herd room will be the largest in North America, the zoo said.Dennis Pate, zoo director, painted the picture for guests: "Imagine crossing the new bridge at the lagoon and viewing the entire elephant exhibit and seeing warthogs rooting for food as lion roars carry down the valley below."See a map of the new African GrasslandsThe environment will make guests feel as though they're in Africa, Pate said.The project also include a children's African pygmy goat petting area, a new train station and lodge for private functions and sleepovers.Interactive areas planned include a giraffe feeding platform, where guests can get an eye-to-eye view and up-close experience.Phase II of the project will showcase African wild dogs and sable antelope near a pride of lions that will sit atop a hill on tall, rocky outcroppings.A nearby safari tent camp will offer overnight opportunities for school groups and families.The first phase is planned to open in early summer 2016, with the second phase following the next year.

The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium has announced plans for the largest project in its history.

On Friday, zoo officials said the $70 million project, called African Grasslands, will enter the first phase of construction this summer.

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"African Grasslands will be a full immersion outdoor habitat featuring breathtaking panoramic views and long vistas of grasslands teeming with African wildlife," the zoo said.

The zoo said it will use grasses, acacia-like trees, rock kopjes and minimal barriers to provide unobstructed views of the animals. New restrooms, food service and visitor activities will be carefully planned along the path.

The project will provide exhibits for elephant, giraffe, white rhino, cheetah, impala, zebra and more, including mixed species habitats, pools for animals and interactive demonstration areas.

The elephant herd room will be the largest in North America, the zoo said.

Dennis Pate, zoo director, painted the picture for guests: "Imagine crossing the new bridge at the lagoon and viewing the entire elephant exhibit and seeing warthogs rooting for food as lion roars carry down the valley below."

See a map of the new African Grasslands

The environment will make guests feel as though they're in Africa, Pate said.

The project also include a children's African pygmy goat petting area, a new train station and lodge for private functions and sleepovers.

Interactive areas planned include a giraffe feeding platform, where guests can get an eye-to-eye view and up-close experience.

Phase II of the project will showcase African wild dogs and sable antelope near a pride of lions that will sit atop a hill on tall, rocky outcroppings.

A nearby safari tent camp will offer overnight opportunities for school groups and families.

The first phase is planned to open in early summer 2016, with the second phase following the next year.