The North Carolina Zoological Society has announced a $2 million grant from the State Employees' Credit Union Foundation (SECU) for the addition of a new Asia habitat complex to the North Carolina Zoo.

The gift will support construction of the SECU Visitor View Pavilion and Classroom in Asia, the centerpiece of the new 10-acre complex and the zoo’s first new habitat region since 1994. The complex’s pavilion and classroom will offer a formal venue for interactive learning and a glass observation wall overlooking an indoor primate habitat. It will also provide a closer look at Komodo dragons, gibbons, giant salamanders, king cobras, and other animals.  

“North Carolina is most fortunate to have a world-class facility that is dedicated to protecting wildlife populations and their living habitats while educating the community about conserving the natural world,” said SECU Foundation board chair Bob Brinson. “Education is one of the foundation’s core areas for giving, and we are pleased to support the zoo’s expansion project to further enrich experiences for visitors of all ages.” 

(Photo credit: Getty Images/Dragon Images)