The Scovill Zoo in Decatur has closed down for the year, but the staff at the zoo remains busy all through the winter months.

Today the zoo begins demolition of old exhibits to begin a new exhibit they hope to have ready at some point next year. The zoo has been working and planning for a new penguin exhibit at the zoo for the past several years. Assistant Director at the Scovill Zoo, Ken Frye explains they will receive funding help from the Decatur Park District and they've also applied for some grants.

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Last winter the zoo upgraded their concession stand, and this year it is the new penguin exhibit they'll work on through the winter. Frye says he has been surprised by the cost of these projects. He notes though they've gotten great support through their gala events and donations from other places.

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Despite a tight budget for this year, the zoo will have to hire a new zoo keeper. Frye says their primary job will be to take care of the penguins with some other responsibilities sprinkled in as well. He notes the budget for this new hire was anticipated many years ago.

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Frye hopes the new penguin exhibit will be up and going by mid-spring. The type of penguins the zoo will be bringing in are not the traditional cold weather penguins, so they will be able to withstand an Illinois summer.