Who would have ever guessed that the day of the major donor preview of Houston Zoo's new African Forest would be so chilly that coats and gloves were required. Not that all of the 250, who ponied up $5,000 or more for the new space, were wise enough to dress extra warmly. The weather just seemed totally incongruous with a party introducing an African landscape.

The rhinos, chimps and giraffes, who were allowed to stay out in the chilled air past their 5 p.m. bedtime, however, seemed to enjoy the low temps. As one zoo staffer pointed out, they are much more frisky in the cool weather.

Indeed, the chimps were a riot and the giraffes were in constant motion as major donors such as African Forest campaign chair Anne Duncan, Kathy McGovern, Kay Onstead and Misi and Ali Moshiri perused the new 6.5-acre expansion. The popular rhinos were in constant motion but failed to entertain with their mud wallows, which are apparently the ultimate in rhino observation. The cheetahs, who were experiencing their new home for the first time, prowled and prowled as the clock ticked way past their 3:30 p.m. night-night.

"It's a whole new chapter in the history of the zoo," said zoo president and CEO Deborah Cannon. "It's the biggest thing we've ever done — $40 million, nine new buildings and execution at a completely more sophisticated level than ever before." She explained that $4 million alone was spent on perfecting rock walls for the animal habitats.

After checking out the new zoo residents and their striking domains, guests moved through the gift shop where Ginger and Jack Blanton picked up stuffed giraffes for their grandchildren and where Kathy and Marty Goossen were taken with the beaded belts in animal prints. Seeking a respite from the cold, guests headed for the new Twiga Terrace restaurant with a patio overlooking the giraffes' home.

Among those getting the early peek at the new exhibition space Houston Zoo board chair Bob Graham, Jane Block, Nancy McGregor and Neal Manne, Jonathan Day, Barbara Goldfield, Cathryn and Doug Selman, Jeanie Kilroy and Dan D'Armond. Of course, zoo director Rick Barongi was on hand, much the proud papa of the zoo's latest addition.

Zoo members will be introduced to the African Forest in a series of previews that begin this week with the public opening set for Dec. 10.