The Cincinnati Zoo’s Elephant Trek is a groundbreaking project that aims to provide a larger and more sustainable habitat for the zoo’s Asian elephant herd. Scheduled to open in the summer of 2024, this five-acre habitat will be five times larger than the current elephant enclosure, offering a more natural and enriching environment for the majestic creatures.

Overview of the Cincinnati Zoo Elephant Trek

The Cincinnati Zoo Elephant Trek is a significant undertaking that will transform the way visitors experience and interact with the zoo’s Asian elephant population. Here are the key details about this exciting project:

• Opening Date: The Elephant Trek habitat is scheduled to open in the summer of 2024.
• Size: The habitat will cover an area of five acres, making it five times larger than the current elephant enclosure.
• Features: The habitat will include multiple water features, such as a quarter-million-gallon pool, waterfalls, and streams, all supplied by rainwater collected in stormwater tanks with a capacity of one million gallons.

Sustainability Efforts at the Cincinnati Zoo Elephant Trek

The Cincinnati Zoo is committed to environmental sustainability, and the Elephant Trek project reflects this dedication. Here are some of the sustainability features of the new habitat:

LEED Certification

All buildings in the Elephant Trek habitat will be LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certified, ensuring a high level of environmental sustainability in the construction and operation of the facilities.

Solar Power

The habitat will be powered by solar panels installed over the zoo’s parking lots and on top of the elephant barn, reducing the zoo’s reliance on traditional energy sources and contributing to its overall sustainability efforts.

Water Conservation

The stormwater tanks not only provide water for the habitat but also help reduce water and sewer overflow in the surrounding neighborhoods and the Ohio River, demonstrating the zoo’s commitment to water conservation.

Conservation Efforts at the Cincinnati Zoo Elephant Trek

The Cincinnati Zoo is actively involved in conservation efforts to protect Asian elephants in the wild, and the Elephant Trek project is an extension of these efforts.

Asian Elephant Conservation

The zoo collaborates with conservation organizations in Northeast India, where human-elephant conflicts are common, to support initiatives that promote peaceful coexistence between humans and elephants.

Game Development

The zoo has collaborated on a game, “Welcome to Harmony: Heroes of Elephantia,” which aims to educate players about the importance of coexisting with elephants and promote peaceful interactions.

Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo Elephant Trek

Visitors to the Cincinnati Zoo can look forward to an immersive and engaging experience at the Elephant Trek habitat. Here are some key details about visiting the exhibit:

Ticket Prices

Online ticket purchases can save visitors up to $10 per ticket on select days, with a total savings of $40 for a family of four.

Hours of Operation

The zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with early entry for members at 9 a.m.

Merchandise and Construction Updates

The Cincinnati Zoo offers a variety of elephant-themed merchandise, including apparel, toys, and ornaments, available for purchase online. Additionally, the zoo provides regular construction updates on its website and social media channels to keep visitors informed about the project’s progress.

Community Involvement

The Cincinnati Zoo has involved the local Avondale community in the design process of a large mural on the elephant barn, which will be a prominent feature of the Elephant Trek habitat. This collaboration demonstrates the zoo’s commitment to engaging with the surrounding community and incorporating their input into the project.

The Cincinnati Zoo Elephant Trek is a remarkable project that showcases the zoo’s dedication to providing a sustainable and enriching environment for its Asian elephant herd, while also supporting global conservation efforts and engaging the local community. As the opening date approaches, visitors can look forward to an immersive and educational experience that celebrates the majesty of these magnificent creatures.

Reference:
– Cincinnati Zoo Elephant Trek Project
– Welcome to Harmony: Heroes of Elephantia