EL PASO, Texas -- El Paso Zoo's new Passport to Africa Exhibit is now open.

Phase one is complete with a gang of meerkats and four African lions, which should be a big draw.

"We have three window viewing opportunities, so you're eye-to-eye with the lions. Each one of the lion viewing windows has a heated rock in front of it, which is going to attract the animals there. They're 2 years old, they're very playful, and it's really going to make for a great exhibit," said zoo director Steve Marshall. The exhibit also includes a new Kalahari research station.

Phase two of the project will bring zebras, giraffes and ostriches, and will be complete in the summer.