A place frequently called as the heart of the zoo, whether from advertisements or zoo visitors who make their way here, the Elephants Of Asia is one grand complex home to 4 of the biggest attractions in the LA Zoo’s history. It is hard to avoid the Elephants Of Asia as it is basically in the center of the zoo, which can be enjoyed from multiple vantage points. Having opened in 2010, it’s one of the zoo’s modern master plans additions that proceed the LAIR or Rainforest of the Americas. The whole complex is compartmentalized into 5 sections accessible to the public with the one additional area that is only toured during special events or behind the scenes tours.
Fritz B. Burns Foundation Cambodian Pavilion:
Based on my frequent tours of the zoo over many years, my trek usually starts at the Cambodian Pavilion. This area is perhaps the largest of all the elephant yards, allowing for multiple elephants to roam at once without it being considered a tight squeeze. Along the pavilion walkway, you’re greeted with an open deck area that allows you to be standing over, or if a child in direct eye contact, of the elephants. There are benches under a shaded area for visitors to relax and take in the vast view of the Cambodia section. An enrichment tree like stump is almost set in the center, which keepers will fill with enticing treats for the elephants to search for with their wonderful trunk. Other features include a small pond/lake that allows for elephants to drink from as well as bathe during hot summer days, lush vegetation along their connecting paths that give the appearance of the elephants just coming out of dense forest.
Elephants Of China:
Although the elephants are a bit hard to see in this habitat, they definitely can be heard as the graze from their feeders next to their 2 new neighbors. There are two smaller exhibits which allow for a more immersive feeling, making visitors remember that elephants in their natural home have neighbors of different species. On the left side exhibit, it’s a small densely vegetated area due to tall grass and shade from a large tree within the exhibit. In this exhibit, it is home to Reeve’s Muntjac. A rather elusive creature, shy of visitors and easily startled. A small body of water forms on the right side of the exhibit. As for the exhibit on the right side, it is more open and sunlit area where Sarus Cranes make themselves at home. Currently 2 cranes share the exhibit, its more made to appear like a swamp with some land for the cranes to rest or walk on.
Clayton H. Winthrop Elephants Of India Plaza:
A sight to see, this area is blessed with a wonderful waterfall. One of Billy’s favorite spots, he frequents the waterfall to shower or reach for some hidden treats within it. There are multiple enrichment crevices along the waterfall wall and behind the waterfall to allow the elephants to show off their amazing dexterity and smell sense to find food. Occasionally there will be a fallen log which can be used as a toy. The vantage point allows for a relatively large crowd can overlook the whole section as the elephants interact with their exhibit, one of more frequented areas and seems to be a good spot for photographic moments.
Wasserman Family Thai Pavilion/Elephant Enrichment Area:
Full to the brim with enrichment items such as large wheels and brushes, this section off any and all abilities elephants use on a daily basis as they would in their natural habitat. Almost on a daily basis, there are keeper talks around 11 AM which allows for demonstrations of how the keepers interact with their pachyderms and just daily care routines. The keepers and elephant are once again at a lower level than the public that allows for visitors to get an almost panoramic view of this section as well as the others. The keepers use positive reinforcement and protective contact when working with the elephants, at a recent demonstration showed off how treats like watermelon is used for keepers to brush their feet and give them a shower to cool off on a hot summer day. Even though the elephants have a close bond with their keepers, it’s almost always reminded to the zoo visitors that the elephants are the ones in charge and will do only what they want to. Meaning no pressure is put on them and they aren’t stressed about having to perform a task. Some of the major enrichment items, a couple mentioned before, include: large wheels, hollowed out logs to store food, brushes on exhibit walls, hammock like structure in the center of the exhibit to show how high an elephant can reach for food, and plenty of durable balls to be kicked around. Along with enrichment items, there are a couple of interactive panels for the zoo visitors to interact with, albeit have been out of service in my recent visits.
Elephant Circle:
Considered the starting point for many zoo visitors, this is my last stop usually based on the counter clockwise trip I take around the zoo. Although not spectacular like it’s other sections, this is a good spot to take on the beauty of the whole complex. To the right side, there is a silhouette of an elephant which has interactive wooden structures that point out to various parts of the elephant’s anatomy. As for the exhibit, it’s a rather small land area that is more focused on the large pool which an elephant can fully submerge in. During the hot summer days, this spot is frequently visited and allows for the elephants to self bathe themselves and just wade in the pool. Almost on every other visit, any one of the 4 elephants will walk right into the pool and splash around while using their truck to wash their head with a strong jet of water.
While the whole complex is what many would consider a beautiful exhibit, there is a major issue with the facility that may be more a complaint. With only 4 elephants currently residing at EOA(Elephants Of Asia), the complex can appear rather barren. Yes the elephants are massive but even with their size, the complex would probably seem more vibrant if a few more elephants joined the herd. While male Asian elephants are at most times very solitary, the introduction of new cows would be very welcomed. This issue has come up before on other threads here on ZooChat, an issue I have agreed with since day one. The elephants barn where the current residents are kept in, can easily house 11 adult elephants according to the zoo due to how the facility was built since it’s inception. I’m not saying that it should be tapped out at 11 total elephants but maybe at least 8, allowing for a few cows that can one day breed with Billy to further diversify the specie’s gene pool. Other than this, the EOA is a perfect exhibit that rightfully earned the AZA Exhibit Award for Significant Achievement back in 2012. Although the ROTA(Rainforest Of The Americas) is my personal favorite exhibit in the whole zoo, this exhibit is immersive and spacious for the large residents which call this place their home. Please leave any comments, critiques, or corrections on this thread. I hope everyone enjoys this and for those who haven’t yet seen the the exhibit or are planning to, definitely should make the trip happen!
Fritz B. Burns Foundation Cambodian Pavilion:
Based on my frequent tours of the zoo over many years, my trek usually starts at the Cambodian Pavilion. This area is perhaps the largest of all the elephant yards, allowing for multiple elephants to roam at once without it being considered a tight squeeze. Along the pavilion walkway, you’re greeted with an open deck area that allows you to be standing over, or if a child in direct eye contact, of the elephants. There are benches under a shaded area for visitors to relax and take in the vast view of the Cambodia section. An enrichment tree like stump is almost set in the center, which keepers will fill with enticing treats for the elephants to search for with their wonderful trunk. Other features include a small pond/lake that allows for elephants to drink from as well as bathe during hot summer days, lush vegetation along their connecting paths that give the appearance of the elephants just coming out of dense forest.
Elephants Of China:
Although the elephants are a bit hard to see in this habitat, they definitely can be heard as the graze from their feeders next to their 2 new neighbors. There are two smaller exhibits which allow for a more immersive feeling, making visitors remember that elephants in their natural home have neighbors of different species. On the left side exhibit, it’s a small densely vegetated area due to tall grass and shade from a large tree within the exhibit. In this exhibit, it is home to Reeve’s Muntjac. A rather elusive creature, shy of visitors and easily startled. A small body of water forms on the right side of the exhibit. As for the exhibit on the right side, it is more open and sunlit area where Sarus Cranes make themselves at home. Currently 2 cranes share the exhibit, its more made to appear like a swamp with some land for the cranes to rest or walk on.
Clayton H. Winthrop Elephants Of India Plaza:
A sight to see, this area is blessed with a wonderful waterfall. One of Billy’s favorite spots, he frequents the waterfall to shower or reach for some hidden treats within it. There are multiple enrichment crevices along the waterfall wall and behind the waterfall to allow the elephants to show off their amazing dexterity and smell sense to find food. Occasionally there will be a fallen log which can be used as a toy. The vantage point allows for a relatively large crowd can overlook the whole section as the elephants interact with their exhibit, one of more frequented areas and seems to be a good spot for photographic moments.
Wasserman Family Thai Pavilion/Elephant Enrichment Area:
Full to the brim with enrichment items such as large wheels and brushes, this section off any and all abilities elephants use on a daily basis as they would in their natural habitat. Almost on a daily basis, there are keeper talks around 11 AM which allows for demonstrations of how the keepers interact with their pachyderms and just daily care routines. The keepers and elephant are once again at a lower level than the public that allows for visitors to get an almost panoramic view of this section as well as the others. The keepers use positive reinforcement and protective contact when working with the elephants, at a recent demonstration showed off how treats like watermelon is used for keepers to brush their feet and give them a shower to cool off on a hot summer day. Even though the elephants have a close bond with their keepers, it’s almost always reminded to the zoo visitors that the elephants are the ones in charge and will do only what they want to. Meaning no pressure is put on them and they aren’t stressed about having to perform a task. Some of the major enrichment items, a couple mentioned before, include: large wheels, hollowed out logs to store food, brushes on exhibit walls, hammock like structure in the center of the exhibit to show how high an elephant can reach for food, and plenty of durable balls to be kicked around. Along with enrichment items, there are a couple of interactive panels for the zoo visitors to interact with, albeit have been out of service in my recent visits.
Elephant Circle:
Considered the starting point for many zoo visitors, this is my last stop usually based on the counter clockwise trip I take around the zoo. Although not spectacular like it’s other sections, this is a good spot to take on the beauty of the whole complex. To the right side, there is a silhouette of an elephant which has interactive wooden structures that point out to various parts of the elephant’s anatomy. As for the exhibit, it’s a rather small land area that is more focused on the large pool which an elephant can fully submerge in. During the hot summer days, this spot is frequently visited and allows for the elephants to self bathe themselves and just wade in the pool. Almost on every other visit, any one of the 4 elephants will walk right into the pool and splash around while using their truck to wash their head with a strong jet of water.
While the whole complex is what many would consider a beautiful exhibit, there is a major issue with the facility that may be more a complaint. With only 4 elephants currently residing at EOA(Elephants Of Asia), the complex can appear rather barren. Yes the elephants are massive but even with their size, the complex would probably seem more vibrant if a few more elephants joined the herd. While male Asian elephants are at most times very solitary, the introduction of new cows would be very welcomed. This issue has come up before on other threads here on ZooChat, an issue I have agreed with since day one. The elephants barn where the current residents are kept in, can easily house 11 adult elephants according to the zoo due to how the facility was built since it’s inception. I’m not saying that it should be tapped out at 11 total elephants but maybe at least 8, allowing for a few cows that can one day breed with Billy to further diversify the specie’s gene pool. Other than this, the EOA is a perfect exhibit that rightfully earned the AZA Exhibit Award for Significant Achievement back in 2012. Although the ROTA(Rainforest Of The Americas) is my personal favorite exhibit in the whole zoo, this exhibit is immersive and spacious for the large residents which call this place their home. Please leave any comments, critiques, or corrections on this thread. I hope everyone enjoys this and for those who haven’t yet seen the the exhibit or are planning to, definitely should make the trip happen!
