The Omaha Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium is set to launch its brand new US$22m (€18.8m, £16.4m) Asian Highlands Exhibit, taking visitors to the Himalayan mountains and grasslands of Northern India.

Covering 8 acres (32,000sq m), the project's first phase will open tomorrow (25 May), where visitors enter a replica of Himalayan temple ruin. They then enter a Himalayan-themed forest, walking through areas representing northern India and northeastern China.

Animals exhibited in the first phase opening include Indian rhino, Pere David’s deer, crane, red panda and tufted deer. The second and final phase of development is set for completion in April next year, with the focal point being the Amur tiger, as well as sloth bears, snow leopards and takins. The second phase will also feature the Yeti camp-themed food area and Kid’s Discovery Trail.

"This is a total immersion exhibit set along the main path just north of the Aviary," said the zoo in a statement.

"Guests will encounter a unique landscape and diverse collection of animals. Most of the listed species are very cold-tolerant and will be available for viewing year-round."

The zoo has heating and cooling options for the animals, with heating pads for the winter and artificial trees with cooled limbs in the summer.

“The higher up you go, it’ll become more evergreen forest, so you’ll be climbing in elevation as you walk through the project,” said zoo director Dennis Pate, speaking to the Omaha World Herald. “It might be one of the most immersive outdoor projects we’ve done here because of the architecture from the Himalayan highlands and the village ruins that we’ve used.”

The zoo's train runs through the exhibit, with the area south of the tracks opening in the first phase. Half of the animals in the new area are new species to the zoo. The investment represents the largest since May 2016, when the zoo opened its US$73m (€62.2m, £54.6m) African Grasslands exhibit.

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