Zoomazium is a playground fit for human primates

The Woodland Park Zoo is adding a new indoor nature play space, Zoomazium, which is slated to open this May. Construction on the 8,500-square-foot learning center began last spring.

Zoomazium activities, geared to age 8 and under, will include a toddler zone mountain, grass nest, research tent, stage and terrarium.

The center will be located on the site of the former Primate House near the zoo's west entrance, adjacent to the Rain Forest Food Pavilion and Tropical Rain Forest exhibit. The zoo hopes to raise $9.6 million in private funds for construction, operation and an endowment to support the project.

Children age 8 and under and their families represent 70 percent of Woodland Park Zoo visitors.