The Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville has officially opened Phase II of El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco, a major expansion that brings new habitats and an elevated skywalk to the 31-acre park.

The new phase moves several animals out of the back section of the zoo's Small World area and into larger, open environments, according to a news release. Howler monkeys, cotton-top tamarins, white-faced saki monkeys, and prehensile-tailed porcupines are among the species now featured in the expanded exhibit.

One of the standout features is an overhead Ocelot Skywalk, an elevated mesh walkway that lets visitors look up and watch ocelots move directly above the public path.

"Watching these animals step into their expanded homes has been incredible," Zoo Director Dr. Pat Burchfield said in a statement. "Species that were once hidden away in the back of Small World are now thriving in dynamic, open habitats. Our guests will get an entirely new perspective on these animals, especially with the ocelots crossing right over their heads."

The exhibit is designed to reflect the ancient Mesoamerican landscape, with structures inspired by the stone pyramids and urban centers built by the Totonac and Huastec civilizations in what is now modern-day Veracruz. Native plant species are planted throughout.

Visitors can also take a photo on a custom-carved stone throne that measures 15½ feet tall by 22 feet wide.

Phase I of El Mundo Huasteco y Totonaco debuted in 2017 with capybaras, capuchin monkeys and custom regional architecture.

With the help of the City of Brownsville, the zoo secured $1.59 million from the Musk Foundation to help fund Phase II. The Robert J. Kleberg, Jr. and Helen C. Kleberg Foundation, AZA SAFE Ocelot Program, and several individual donors also contributed to the project.

The completion of Phase II clears the way for the zoo's next project, a redesigned Small World exhibit that will include inclusive play areas for children of all ages and abilities.