New conservation center at Salisbury Zoo to open by early summer

A decades-old building at the Salisbury Zoo is getting a long awaited face-lift.

Within a few months, an aging building at the zoo will become the official William E. Morgan Conservation Center.

The 1,300 square foot building was originally a baby animal farm in the 1970's before being remodeled into a gift shop.

The new conservation center will include a customized fiber-glass enclosed reptile exhibit, plus outside space for classroom activities.

It's all part of the Delmarva Zoological Society's three-million dollar "Renew The Zoo" campaign.

The Richard and Patricia Hazel Charitable Fund donated 500,000 dollars. The center is named after the grandfather of foundation member Morgan Hazel.

"It's very nostalgic, because I've come to the zoo. I've lived here all my life, so I've come here all my life and I've always seen the building. I just think it's really neat that it's going to continue in his name," explains Hazel.

We're told the center is expected to be completed by June.