SOUTH BEND, Ind. -- The Potawatomi Zoo announced plans to work on a new expansion for the Amur tiger and leopard habitat, called Big Cat Tracks.

Zoo officials say the state-of-the-art habitat project will incorporate two additional acres of land recently acquired from South Bend and is the first expansion in the zoo's history.

Officials say Big Cat Tracks will integrate existing landscape of the park space into wooded, more naturalistic habitats for Amur leopards and Amur tigers.

The tiger habitat will include a water feature since tigers enjoy spending time in the water, while the leopard habitat will include new climbing structures, officials said.

Zoo officials add they plan to bring in new Eurasian species of animals like Sika deer, tufted deer, and white-naped cranes to create an immersive experience.

This expansion is a $5.5 million part of Phase 3 of the Zoo’s master plan, which included the concessions Lodge and Andean bear habitat that opened last year.

“We raised about $3 million for this project during the quiet fundraising phase,” said Josh Sisk, Executive Director of the Potawatomi Zoo. “That’s more than halfway, but we still need a little help getting across the finish line so we can begin work as soon as possible.”

Zoo officials say funding for Big Cat Tracks has come from private and public funding sources, individuals, and organizations.

The new expansion will also include new bathrooms and a playground area.

You can find more information on the Big Cat Tracks project and naming opportunities on the project's website.