There was a lot of roaring, growling, and slithering going on today at the Santa Fe Zoo. But it wasn't all coming from the animals.

More than 20 children got to be the first to play in the Santa Fe Teaching Zoo's new playground.

The playground features a jungle gym, monkey bars, and an artificial log.

The zoo director said the play area was designed for children to mimic the way animals move.

The play area was created with a $25 thousand grant from the City of Gainesville's Tourist Development Council.

The zoo is open daily from 9am to 2pm.