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Alaskan-themed splash park to open at Omaha zoo

Posted at 2:48 PM, Jan 08, 2016
and last updated 2016-01-08 15:48:47-05

A new attraction is expected to open this summer at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo.

The Zoo revealed the addition of a splash park called Alaskan Adventure, which they say will eventually include a new sea lion pool and home for polar bears.

The $14 million project will feature a splash ground and water feature located near the Red Barn Park and Sue’s Carousel, officials said in a statement Friday afternoon.

“The new exhibit is Alaskan-themed, featuring dancing waters through sprays and spouts and over 75 bronze sculptures created by Nebraska’s own Matthew Placzek,” the Zoo said.

An 18-foot-high humpback whale sculpture will serve as the centerpiece, along with a separate, 8-foot-tall sculpture for its tail that will be 16 feet wide.

The exhibit also features sculptures of 30 jumping salmon, 25 puffins, 15 sea lions, three orcas and three brown bears.

The African Grasslands exhibit is also expected to open in 2016.

Watch KMTV Action 3 News Upfront at 4 for a look at the construction now underway for the exhibit.