The Houston Zoo’s Elephant Bath is a must-see attraction for any zoo enthusiast. Visitors can witness the majestic Asian elephants splashing and playing in their 160,000-gallon pool, as well as participate in unique animal encounters that offer a behind-the-scenes look at the zoo’s elephant care and conservation efforts.
McNair Asian Elephant Habitat: A Naturalistic Home
The Houston Zoo’s eight Asian elephants reside in the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat, a naturalistic area designed to mimic their natural environment. This expansive habitat features a large pool where the elephants can cool off and enjoy their daily bath time.
Elephant Bath Time: A Daily Spectacle
Every day from 9:30 to 10:00 AM, visitors can witness the elephants’ bath time at the McNair Asian Elephant Habitat. This is a unique opportunity to see the elephants splashing, spraying water, and engaging in playful behavior as they are scrubbed down by their caretakers.
Elephant Bath Encounter: Get Up Close and Personal
For a truly immersive experience, the Houston Zoo offers the Elephant Bath Encounter. This encounter allows up to six visitors to help scrub down one of the elephants during their daily bath. Participants will have the chance to interact with the elephant and take home a memorable photo.
| Encounter | Member Price | Non-Member Price |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant Bath Encounter | $225 | $250 |
Elephant Encounter: Behind the Scenes with the Herd
In addition to the Elephant Bath Encounter, the Houston Zoo also offers the Elephant Encounter. This experience provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the elephant barn, where they can feed and touch one of the adult elephants. This encounter is limited to eight people and includes a photo opportunity.
| Encounter | Member Price | Non-Member Price |
|---|---|---|
| Elephant Encounter | $195 | $220 |
Conservation Efforts: Protecting Elephants and Their Habitats
The Houston Zoo is committed to the conservation of Asian elephants and their habitats. One of the zoo’s conservation initiatives is the Beehive Fence, a mock installation that showcases a technique used in Africa to keep elephants away from farmland while providing a sustainable source of honey.
Plan Your Visit to the Houston Zoo
The Houston Zoo is located at 6200 Hermann Park Drive, Houston, TX 77030. Visitors can call 713-533-6500 for more information or check the zoo’s website for directions and parking details.
Introducing Baby Elephant Tilly
In 2018, the Houston Zoo welcomed a new addition to the elephant herd – baby Tilly, born on Father’s Day. Tilly is one of the youngest elephants in the herd and a testament to the zoo’s successful breeding and conservation efforts.
Expanded Elephant Habitat
In 2017, the Houston Zoo expanded the elephant complex, adding a 7,000-square-foot barn and a new habitat with a boardwalk and a large pool. This expansion provides the elephants with more space and enrichment opportunities, enhancing their overall well-being and the visitor experience.
The Houston Zoo’s Elephant Bath is a truly unique and captivating experience that allows visitors to get up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. Whether you choose to participate in the Elephant Bath Encounter or simply observe the daily bath time, the Houston Zoo’s elephant habitat is a must-see destination for any zoo enthusiast.
References:
1. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7bsw6RrMQtw
2. https://www.houstonzoo.org/explore/exhibits/elephant-habitat-area/
3. https://map.houstonzoo.org/events/250-elephant-bath
4. https://www.houstonzoo.org/plan-your-visit/new-animal-encounters/
5. https://map.houstonzoo.org/schedule