Zoo officials announced Wednesday most of the gift will go toward creating a more natural exhibit for the zoo’s six orangutans. Other funds will be used to buy a tram and maintain current trams.

The Kansas City Star reports (http://bit.ly/UM4ThL) that the donation brings the zoo close to its goal of raising nearly $6 million for the orangutan exhibit. Construction is scheduled to begin next month and the opening is planned for next summer.

The animals currently live in a holding building and outdoor metal cage. The cage will be replaced with a grassy area and canopy of trees, surrounded by a moat.

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Information from: The Kansas City Star, http://www.kcstar.com