It looks like your typical construction project -- backhoes, piping and steel rods. But the multi million dollar project at the El Paso Zoo is anything but typical. Many zoo-goers KFOX spoke to Monday are still in the dark with what the construction was for.

"I didn't, but when we seen it, we thought something going on, we just didn't know what was the real thing," said Alberto Lujan, from East El Paso.

"No, I don't know, I have no idea," said Lourdes Corral, from Las Cruces.

Once they heard about the new Africa Savannah exhibit, most thought the construction, and the $17 million price tag was well worth it.

"We need more animals, even though it's expanded and it's nice, I think we need more, more animals," said Corral.

Some, like Lisa Valenzuela, said they were concerned with the amount of space the animals have. The zoo is only 18 acres right now.

"It's good that they are building it better. I think that the animals need a little bit more space," said Valenzuela, from East El Paso.

"They have a little bit of everything, and by growing we'll have a little bit more of everything. Makes a little more space for all the animals out there," said Lujan.

Candice Todd is a regular at the zoo, and said the construction only has a minimal effect on the zoo experience.

"There's, like, more towards where the monkeys are and stuff, there is a little bit of construction in the way, but it's not too bad. It's really not that bad," said Todd, from Northeast El Paso.

She said you can tell a lot about a city by the quality of their zoo.

"El Paso does need that. El Paso really does need it. They need more attractions, so that more people can come out here and look at it. More fun for the kids especially," said Todd.

The zoo said the construction should be completed by early next year, with animals arriving shortly after that. The exhibits will open up through next year and into 2009.