Milwaukee County Zoo opens new "Hippo Haven" exhibit

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Hip-hip-hipporay! A new exhibit at the Milwaukee County Zoo lets you get close to the hippos.

The zoo unveiled its new Dohmen Family Foundation "Hippo Haven" exhibit Wednesday, July 22. The exhibit's design increases the space for hippos both in and out of the water while offering them more choices throughout the day.

The exhibit also includes a beach area three times larger than the previous space with different surfaces to give the hippos the choice of where they want to lie. 

Another spot lets visitors get close to the hippos while they are underwater. 

"It features a 60 thousand gallon aquarium, so to speak, with glass walls on one side that the hippos can go into and be seen the entire time they're in there," Milwaukee County Zoo director Chuck Wikenhauser said. 

The Hippo Haven will stay open until October before it closes down for the winter. 

The zoo is open in a limited capacity with certain hours.