BUFFALO, N.Y. — Zoo officials and local leaders gathered in front of the new Donna M. Fernandes Amphibian and Reptile Center Thursday to officially cut the ribbon.
The building is named after the former zoo president and CEO who served from 2000 to 2017.
"It is hard not to be emotional because Buffalo was such an important part of my life. This is probably the highlight of my career working here," said Fernandes.
The $3.7 million project, also known as the ARC, is the first part of the zoo's master plan. The state contributed $500,000 to the project, which took about a year to complete.
The building was originally built in 1942 and renovated to include 25 different habitats and a new heating and water filtration system.
In total, there are 40 different species and 150 animals.
"I felt that it was important that people see them displayed in such an exquisite way that you can appreciate them," said Fernandes. " And what I love about the design of this building is it is featuring some of their beautiful scale patterns. You sort of get to see them up close."
On display are a new Komodo dragon named Kadal, several venomous snakes, along with a number of animals native to Western New York. The latter are part of ongoing conservation and education efforts.
"Amphibians and reptiles are very often the canary in the coal mine, so we are hoping people will be inspired to care about conservation and realize there are small changes they can make in their own lives that would make a big difference in wildlife populations," said Fernandes.
There are interactive displays, new graphic art on the walls, and a large mural that has hidden Western New York landmarks painted in it.
