A walk on Mississippi's wild side.

Many of the animals in the Jackson Zoo's new "Wilderness Mississippi" exhibit are a bit shy while acclimating to their recently created homes, but a black bear named Cinnamon isn't bashful about showing off her glossy coat. Neither is the resident beaver, who comes out from his den to paddle around his new watering hole.

The exhibit, the product of an $8 million facility renovation, debuted in April and introduced some 120 new indigenous species to Magnolia State animal lovers.

"This new exhibit gives people an up-close view of animals that are native to the state," says zoo director Beth Poff. "Many people are surprised to discover what animals are found in Mississippi. Otters, in particular, surprise most folks, as does the diversity in our snakes and spiders."

Located in the northeast section of the zoo, the new exhibit area also features a spot for picnics, a playground, and two indoor facilities. Plans are underway for the Gertrude C. Ford Education Center, which is expected to be complete in 2008.

Staying true to the Mississippi theme, the exhibit structures feature wide porches, ceiling fans, and rocking chairs. The inviting front porch at the "Backyard Creatures" facility leads to native snakes and spiders. Securely located behind glass, these unique and often misunderstood creatures beckon visitors to take a breathtakingly closer look than they might at home.

Back outside, the porch leads to a moat that features three alligators floating around a historic Jackson landmark. "The Monkey Castle is now on the National Register of Historic Places, and we wanted to be sure to incorporate it into the design of the new exhibit," says Poff.

Nearby, beaver-inspired waterfalls are home to a variety of waterfowl species, and directly across from the falls, black bears and cougars lounge beneath shade trees.

"The three bears and three cougars are still getting familiar with their new homes, but you can usually spot them," Poff says. "The cougars tend to be like your cat at home, napping a majority of the time."

Just past the cougars, the "Water Creatures" exhibit--full of turtles, otters, beavers, and fish--is especially interesting to young zoo visitors. "The kids are so used to seeing turtles crawling around their backyards," Poff laughs. "When they come in here and see the turtles actually swimming, they try to hold their breath as long as the turtles."

Across from the turtles, guests go eye to eye with beavers in their den and are often amazed to watch them swim, according to Poff.

"You just can't get this view of animals in their habitat," Poff says. "I think people will be very pleased with these upgrades and even enlightened by some of the animals they might not have realized were in their very own back yard here in the state."

The Jackson Zoo, located at 2918 W. Capitol St., is open from 9 a.m.-5 p.m. year-round, except for Christmas and New Year's Day. For information, call 601/352-5281 or see www.jacksonzooo.org.