Construction is underway on Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's $4.1 million tiger exhibit expansion that will place visitors right in the middle of the action.
Plans call for four interconnected habitat areas, including two trail connections allowing tigers to pass over the heads of marveling park guests.
Crews broke ground on the project Thursday. Work is scheduled to be completed by next summer.
Officials say the zoo's new Tiger Passage will be five times larger than the previous grotto-style exhibits.
The exhibit will feature the zoo's two Siberian tigers -- 12-year-old Klechka and 14-year-old Dasha. Their new enclosure boasts climbing poles, meadows, shallow streams and soaking pools.
Executive Zoo Director Chris Kuhar says the project, designed to provide more space for the animals, was inspired by the zoo's African Elephant Crossing exhibit.
