The Woodland Park Zoo is looking at additions in 2011 including new animals, new exhibits and higher admission prices.

A pair of Steller’s sea eagles have just arrived at the zoo from Los Angeles Zoo. They will premiere to the public after a standard 30-day quarantine to acclimate to their exhibit in the Northern Trail. These raptors are notably one of the heaviest eagles in the world, ranging from 11 to 20 pounds with a wing span of up to 7.5 feet. Their arrival marks the first time this species has been at the zoo.

Other 2011 additions to the animal population will include more fruit bats, reptiles and amphibians.

Beginning on Jaunary 3rd, winter admission will increase by $0.50 and the summer admission will increase 16.50 to $17.50 for adults and from $11 to $11.50 for children ages 3 to 12. Parking will be increased to $5.25 to accommodate the City of Seattle’s parking tax.

Admission fees help offset increasing operating costs.

“As we continue to keep a firm fist on our budget and maintain fiscal responsibility, we don’t foresee any further reductions in program or guest experiences in 2011,” said zoo President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen in a statement.

Over the past couple of years, the zoo took several cost-savings measures to operate sustainably over the long term and help prevent a budget shortfall in 2010 and beyond, such as closing the Night Exhibit, reducing staff, cutting department budgets and eliminating the zoo’s travel program.

More than a million people visit the zoo each year to connect with the natural world and learn how they can help preserve wildlife and their natural habitats. Beginning next summer, 25 cents from each admission fee will be earmarked for the zoo’s field conservation programs. The new program, Quarters for Conservation, will call on visitors to act directly by allowing them to choose field conservation programs to support.

“All our guests will be given a token as they enter the zoo and they can drop this token in special kiosks to “vote” for the conservation project of their choice. It’s an engaging way to inspire our guests to learn about the critical field conservation projects our zoo supports across the globe and in our backyard,” explained Jensen.

From May 1 through Labor Day weekend, guests will get up close to life-size, animatronic creatures that roar, snarl, hiss, spit and move. The outdoor setting will take zoo guests through a “primeval forest” to meet the dinosaurs.

For more information visit the zoo’s website at www.zoo.org.