The newly revamped Elephant Community Center appears to be spectacular in comparison to what I toured in 2008, when I was alarmed at how poor the situation was for the zoo's elephants. Now the 1930's-era Elephant House has had $50 million pumped into it (including the entire complex and outdoor trails) and it must be one of America's better elephant habitats. Asian elephants now have great exhibits in zoos such as National, Saint Louis, Denver, Los Angeles and Oklahoma City, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Oregon Zoo have the best of the lot when the 6-acre Elephant Lands opens in 2015.
The newly revamped Elephant Community Center appears to be spectacular in comparison to what I toured in 2008, when I was alarmed at how poor the situation was for the zoo's elephants. Now the 1930's-era Elephant House has had $50 million pumped into it (including the entire complex and outdoor trails) and it must be one of America's better elephant habitats. Asian elephants now have great exhibits in zoos such as National, Saint Louis, Denver, Los Angeles and Oklahoma City, and I wouldn't be surprised to see Oregon Zoo have the best of the lot when the 6-acre Elephant Lands opens in 2015.
Now all we need is for Asians to start breeding like their African counterparts or a new importation to revitalize the Asian Elephant breeding program!
The Elephant Community Center is certainly impressive. I love all the natural light. Modern features with old architectural pieces still in tact. What I was disappointed with the most was the final elephant yard. I really don't any alterations to it besides the shading structure. I wonder why it took them a couple more years to complete that yard from the other two yards. Maybe it will look nicer with foliage and the pool filled up.
