Potter Park Zoo's two black rhinos, "Spike" and "Ebony", died in February and April 2008, respectively. The zoo announced preliminary plans for a new, expanded eastern black rhinoceros exhibit on January 7, 2009. The $1.5 million renovation includes an expanded rhino building, doubling the size of the rhino yard with shade, mud, and water hole areas, and a canopied viewing area for visitors, designed to provide a more natural habitat for the animals. Zookeeper, Jack Hanna, appeared at Potter Park Zoo in April 2009 to support the expansion project. In 2009, the "Wings from Down Under" aviary opened, allowing guests to interact with more than 600 Australian birds.