As envisioned, the arctic exhibit will offer visitors "nose-to-nose" encounters with several polar bears, which have not been a part of the Hogle menagerie since 2003, when the zoo's last polar bear, Andy, died after ingesting a fleece glove. The glove had apparently been thrown or dropped into the bear's exhibit by a visitor.

The four-acre project "will depict the Arctic's physical, cultural and social landscapes, and dramatically illustrate how humans impact the region," according to a news release issued Monday by the zoo. The project is a "priority component" of the zoo's master plan, which also includes a new animal hospital for which the zoo announced a $1.5 million donation from the Utah-based ALSAM Foundation last month.

See cool videos of polar bears attacking glass at our blog.