I've seen a lot of elephants in a lot of zoos over the years and North Carolina quite simply has the #1 habitat in my estimation. Green grass, at least one huge pool, muddy dig sites, 7 vast acres, very little man-made obstructions, and a phenomenal series of lookout points. The icing on the cake is the Elephant Research Station with its full-size helicopter that is allowed to be climbed on, as well as the plethora of information along the walls. Simply brilliant!