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Detroit Zoo to debut new habitat housing giant salamanders

Posted at 10:26 AM, Aug 03, 2018
and last updated 2018-08-03 14:54:52-04

The Detroit Zoo opened its newest habitat Friday. 

Japanese giant salamanders have a comfy home in the National Amphibian Conservation Center. After renovations, the former Rainforest Immersion Gallery has nearly doubled in size to accommodate the aquatic animals.

New features include a waterfall, flowing stream and underwater caves. 

There are five salamanders housed at the Zoo -- three males Bob, Dieter and Sven and two females Hatsue and Helga. 

The Japanese giant salamander is the world's second-largest salamander. They can grow to over 4 feet long, weigh up to 88 pounds and live about 50 years. 

Zoo visitors can experience the new exhibit Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.