New York officials announced plans to develop a new $32 million terminal on Monday, specially designed to handle roughly 70,000 airborne animals a year.
The 172,165 square-foot facility, dubbed the ARK, will include "a state-of-the-art veterinary hospital, animal daycare services and more efficient ways to transport animals worldwide, including exotic species," the Port Authority said in a public statement. Artists' renderings suggest that animal passengers may enjoy more amenities than their human counterparts, including a lap pool and private rooms. The cattle gates, on the other hand, may look familiar.
"While most of our airport passengers walk on two legs, this new center will serve the important travel needs of our four-legged and winged friends," said Port Authority executive director Pat Foye.