ASHEBORO -- Diego the ocelot explores his new home.
"A wonderful chance to bring a beautiful cat outdoors and give people a much better chance to see them," said Steve Gerkin, NC Zoo Programs Coordinator.
NC Zoo staff opened the new outdoor ocelot exhibit Monday for visitors to see Diego and Inca in the daylight.
"We've done some really neat things with our polar bear exhibits and there was another opportunity to do something with an animal that's not quite as out there, people aren't into them as much," said Gerkin.
It's an upgrade from their previous home.
"In the desert exhibit and it was fine, the animals were good in there, they bred in there, they did what they should do but to have the opportunity to put them outside, we just couldn't pass it up," said Gerkin.
The new exhibit was built with Diego and Inca in mind. They now have trees, logs, rocks and water to enjoy just like they would in their natural habitat.
"They get to play, they're outdoors, they're hiding, they're getting into water, they're checking things out, they're getting in the sunshine. Our curators and I say, they'll be able to dodge rain drops for the first time. So, it's a fun experience for them too," said Gerkin.
A chance for ocelots and guests to get up close and personal.
NC Zoo officials say while they continue to improve and open new exhibits they will also share conservation efforts with their visitors.