The Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is home to a thriving herd of Asian elephants, offering visitors a unique opportunity to witness these magnificent creatures up close. As a zoo touring enthusiast, you’ll be captivated by the zoo’s commitment to conservation and the impressive new Elephant Trek habitat set to open in 2024.
Elephant Trek Habitat
The Cincinnati Zoo’s new Elephant Trek habitat is a true marvel of modern zoo design. Spanning an impressive five acres, the habitat is five times larger than the current enclosure, providing the elephants with ample space to roam and explore.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | The Elephant Trek habitat covers an area of five acres. |
| Amenities | The habitat includes a quarter-million-gallon pool, waterfalls, and streams, all supplied by stormwater tanks buried under the habitat. |
| Sustainability | The buildings are LEED certified, and most of the power comes from solar panels, showcasing the zoo’s commitment to environmental sustainability. |
| Opening | The Elephant Trek habitat is scheduled to open in 2024, offering visitors an immersive and enriching experience. |
Elephant Herd
The Cincinnati Zoo’s Asian elephant herd is a dynamic and growing group, with both current residents and future additions.
Current Residents
The current herd includes four Asian elephants:
– SheRa
– Kabir
– Anak
– Sanjay (arrived from the Dublin Zoo in November 2023)
Future Additions
In early 2024, the zoo’s bull elephant, Sabu, will join the herd. Additionally, females Schottzie, Mai Thai, and Jati will also become part of the herd later.
Herd Goal
The Cincinnati Zoo aims to create a multi-generational herd of 8-10 Asian elephants, providing a thriving and diverse community for these magnificent creatures.
Elephant Conservation
The Cincinnati Zoo is deeply committed to the conservation of Asian elephants, a species that is currently endangered in the wild.
Species Status
Asian elephants are classified as endangered, with only around 40,000 individuals remaining in their native habitats.
Conservation Efforts
The Cincinnati Zoo participates in multiple conservation initiatives to support the survival of Asian elephants, including:
– Habitat preservation
– Anti-poaching efforts
– Sustainable ecotourism programs
Educational Initiatives
The zoo has collaborated on a game, “Welcome to Harmony: Heroes of Elephantia,” to promote coexistence between humans and elephants, as well as to educate visitors about the importance of elephant conservation.
Interesting Facts about Cincinnati Zoo Elephants
As you explore the Cincinnati Zoo’s elephant exhibit, you’ll be amazed by the unique characteristics and behaviors of these magnificent creatures.
- Trunk Muscles: An elephant’s trunk is made up of over 100,000 muscles, allowing for incredible dexterity and strength.
- Diet and Hydration: Elephants consume several hundred pounds of food and drink up to 40 gallons of water daily, highlighting their immense appetites and hydration needs.
- Communication: Elephants communicate through a variety of sounds, including infrasonic calls that are inaudible to human ears, allowing them to convey messages over long distances.
Visiting the Cincinnati Zoo
Planning your visit to the Cincinnati Zoo to see the elephants is easy and convenient.
Hours of Operation
The Cincinnati Zoo is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Members of the zoo can enjoy early entry at 9 a.m.
Ticket Savings
To save money on your visit, consider purchasing your tickets online, as this can provide a discount of more than $10 per ticket on select days.
Whether you’re a seasoned zoo enthusiast or a first-time visitor, the Cincinnati Zoo’s Asian elephant herd is sure to captivate and inspire you. With the upcoming Elephant Trek habitat and the zoo’s commitment to conservation, the future of these magnificent creatures is in good hands.
References
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2021, June 15). Elephant Trek – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoo-breaks-ground-on-biggest-habitat-in-zoo-history-elephant-trek/
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (n.d.). Asian Elephant – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/animals-archive/asian-elephant/
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2023, November 8). Cincinnati Zoo’s Asian Elephant Herd Just Got a Lot Bigger Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoos-asian-elephant-herd-just-got-a-lot-bigger/
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2024, March 13). Elephant Trek Construction Update March 2024 – Cincinnati Zoo. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=13IREbQoMYM
- Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden. (2024, May 1). Cincinnati Zoo Prioritizes Sustainability in Construction of New Elephant Trek Habitat. Retrieved from https://cincinnatizoo.org/cincinnati-zoo-prioritizes-sustainability-in-construction-of-new-elephant-trek-habitat/.