As part of the Heart of the Zoo campaign to upgrade older sections, renovation of Monkey Island is being completed. The cement trough around the capuchins' Monkey Island has been jackhammered off to allow grass to grow to the water's edge. A pile of fiberglass-reinforced concrete rocks will be added. Artificial trees and vines will add to the natural look but keep the island a swinging place. Behind Monkey Island, entryways will be cut in the wall to the area that last year held white storks.
Children can cross the small moat on bridges.
A boardwalk will lead to two giant egg sculptures that children can climb. Just down the path, aspiring engineers used to clang the bell on the stationary Little Poof train engine. This year, the refurbished engine has relocated to a new plaza beside the zoo train ride. The plaza, which was built in the former flamingo yard, will hitch Little Poof with a passenger car and caboose. Visitors also will notice the Central Zoo amphitheater has disappeared.