PRESIDENT Mary McAleese crossed the Phoenix Park yesterday to officially open the new African Savannah exhibition in Dublin Zoo.
Mrs McAleese described allocating the land for the project, which was originally part of the grounds of Áras an Uachtaráin, as one of her happiest tasks as President.
The President praised the staff of Dublin Zoo, in particular for making the facility child-centred and -focused. "If you live in the park it is hard to avoid noticing how popular the zoo is," she said.
"It is remarkable how its popularity has never waned, just grown stronger year after year, drawing each new generation into its own special magic."
Director of Dublin Zoo Leo Oosterweghel described the creation of the 22,000sq m Savannah as "an adventure and a challenge" for all involved. He said this would be a major step in improving the zoo. Since 2001, it has doubled its number of annual visitors to almost one million.
The new exhibition will house African animals including giraffes, zebra, ostriches and the endangered scimitar-horned oryx.