@snowleopard we have not been to Milwaukee since summer of 09 at which time work had begun on a new hippo exhibit that was to include underwater viewing.I was assuming it was done by now,but maybe plans changed on that exhibit.As far as Toledo goes I always thought it was the original Hippoquarium.Oh well it still very good I been to the exhibits at Busch Gardens,SDZ, and St Louis and like Toledo exhibit the most.
You're right on with the plans changing. The new and improved hippo exhibit is being built in two phases. Phase 1 has been opened for a couple years now, but is absolutely hideous. It's an extension of the indoor space, but the pool is tiny, the walls are blue with no detail, the land area is blocked off by iron bars, and the small window makes it difficult to see inside. Phase 2 will have the underwater viewing however.