The Erie Zoo today re-opened after the annual winter shutdown. Quite a few people braved snow flurries and temperatures in the 20's to check out the animals on opening day.
This year the zoo is planning one of the largest improvement projects in years, a $1 million facelift for the polar bear and lion exhibit.
Scott Mitchell of the Erie Zoo said, "It will greatly expand the amount of room for the animals and improve the visitors experience."
The zoo is also struggling to try to find another gorilla, to replace Samantha who died over the winter. But today, on opening day it was all about visitors getting back on the grounds to see their favorite animals.
Visitor Seann Clark said, "The kids have been ready for this all winter."