Animal Paradise Re-Opens Gates With New Owners

Melissa Morrow takes her two children around the new Animal Paradise.

Melissa Morrow, "I was kind of excited when i drove down I-44 and saw the signs."

Signs like these are up all over the park, welcoming customers back.

Lisa Ann Oddo, "I have three small children, 9-7-2, the kids and I were enjoying Exotic Animal Paradise fell in love with it, and we could see the vision and the potential."

Lisa Ann Oddo is the new owner of Animal Paradise. She, and husband Tony, are heading up all the renovations.

Lisa Ann Oddo, "We've had so much fun with it, we are re-doing everything from roofs, to fencing to painting."

With the animals being the main attraction, Oddo wants to introduce new ideas for park-goers.

Lisa Ann Oddo, "We'll have a seperate candy shop we will have old time photos, but giving more people things for the people to do that they can spend all day."

Melissa Morrow, "I'm very excited that they are opening up I think it's a great concept to let animals run free with some confinement and let people come see 'em."

With Oddo's vision building the park to be a vacation destination, she hopes the crowds come

Lisa Ann Oddo, "Come watch us grow we are kind of like a little spring flower just budding out and in the summer we will be in full bloom."

" Whenever someone says what is there to do in Springfield, say go Animal Paradise!!!!!"