Pennsylvania’s state capitol can often feel like a zoo during the busy budget month of June. Today—it smelled like one too.

The East Rotunda of the state capitol was packed with all sorts of wild critters for zoo day.

There was everything from penguins to the second largest rodent in the world—courtesy of Erie Zoo.

The state sets aside $1 million dollars each year for zoo funding. The Pennsylvania Zoological Council, which has 6 members, is asking for an increase in that funding.

“The modern zoo is a lot different than zoos in the past,” said Roo Kojancie, CEO and President of the Erie Zoo. "Modern days are all about conservation, education and just informing the public about these wonderful animals."

Zoos part of the Pennsylvania Zoological Council generate over $200 million in economic impact in the state each year.