Zoo unveils new primate house

AUSTIN (KXAN) - It's a day to celebrate at the Austin Zoo, especially for the primates who call the zoo home.

The new Primate House officially was named and dedicated today.

It's been in the works for more than two years, and it signifies a major milestone for the zoo.

The new habitat will be much more comfortable for the monkeys and other primates.

"It's climate controlled, so the seven bedrooms are heated and cooled," executive director Patti Clark said. "We used to hang heaters and even moved some of the animals into buildings on super cold nights."

The new Primate House can handle at least a dozen animals.