I wonder if that unprotected tree in the middle is meant to be for food/enrichment once the elephants are allowed into this yard? I do remember reading that the elephants will be given a live tree once a month for the first 12 months for enrichment purposes.
I can't wait to get a better view from the four themed area lookouts. And can't wait until all the construction walls and fencing come down. Then we'll be able to walk the entire perimeter. I wonder what type of trees they'll be given? Hopefully some exotic native Asian fruit trees will be included.
Yeah, I can't wait either. I don't think they ever mentioned the type of trees, but I'm sure what ever trees they choose the elephants will enjoy destroying and eating them!
Yeah, I can't wait either. I don't think they ever mentioned the type of trees, but I'm sure what ever trees they choose the elephants will enjoy destroying and eating them!
I remember reading and also hearing at an LA Zoo event of a donation of trees specifically for elephant enrichment. By the looks of it, the tree in the middle does look unprotected, so maybe that is one of those trees.
I also remember hearing that Billy's first day in the Elephants of China section he destroyed a tree that he wasn't supposed to have, so yeah, Elephants do have their way...
Huge improvement over what was there before and I look forward to photos of the completed project.
However, I do have to make one somewhat negative observation. Does anyone else find it ironic/disappointing that the two most expensive elephant expansions in the country (San Diego and Los Angeles) both have the worst looking perimeter design - bare steel cables?
However, I do have to make one somewhat negative observation. Does anyone else find it ironic/disappointing that the two most expensive elephant expansions in the country (San Diego and Los Angeles) both have the worst looking perimeter design - bare steel cables?
I have to agree, but hopefully once the new vegetation grows it will balance the view. From the beginning that was really the only thing I didn't like, and the fact that all the new foliage that was added is so small that it will take at least a year or two to grow and fill out everything.
I'm in agreement about the perimeter barriers and foliage as well. But I'll hold off on my full assessment until I get to view the finished project. I'm still hoping for more trees and the grass to become more lush.
I actually think that they are done planting. They've already added lots of trees, but they are all small, so we'll have to wait some years for them to fully grow. I also don't think the exhibit will have much grass. All the grass that is growing is due to the recent rains we've had.
One thing I really like is that they've added lots of hills for the elephants, making it a lot more interesting than most elephant exhibits out there.
