(Annie Shreffler/WNYC)

NEW YORK, NY June 19, 2008 —New York's most unwanted population is now a hundred thousand stronger. Hissing cockroaches can be found living in a Boab tree. They're part of The Bronx Zoo's new Madagascar exhibit.

Slideshow: New Exhibit
Photos by Mollie Hannon

REPORTER: Dr. Helen Crowley says visitors will recognize some of the animals.

CROWLEY: I think they're going to love the lemurs. I mean the ringtail lemurs are just so exquisite. They're a bit of an icon for Madagascar. The kids will relate to that that. They'll be amazed by the crocodiles.

REPORTER: The exhibit will be in the 105-year-old Lion House. It was just renovated and incorporates green energy features like a geothermal heating/cooling unit and areas of natural light.

The Lion House the NYC Green Building Award status as the first landmark building in New York City to receive the US Green Building green certification, known as LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

Photos by Mollie Hannon