Lincoln Park Zoo lions moved to Kansas during renovations

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Lincoln Park Zoo will be lion-less starting this fall as renovations begin on the Kovler Lion House.

The renovation project will cost about $35 million in all. The zoo's current pride will be moved to the Rolling Hills Zoo in Kansas while work is underway. A spokeswoman for the zoo said it's unclear if that exact pride will return once renovations are complete, as those details will be determined by the African Lion Species Survival Program.

Of the several new features, the new habitat will have a rockwork with heating and cooling abilities to keep the lions comfortable.

Guests will also be able to see the lions both inside and outside of Kovler Lion House behind see-through walls.

Zoo members can give the lions a special "goodbye" on Saturday, May 11 from 8-10 a.m. Learn more about the goodbye festivities on the zoo's website.