Basically zero effort into aesthetics or viewing in this new complex. That said, it now has the largest indoor barn in the country. One decently large yard and two more behind the scenes yards. This in addition to the retained and connected previous exhibits provides a total of 6 yards and two barns. They could easily house a large breeding herd, and a surplus of inevitable surplus males as the population recovers. Looks to be a valuable asset to the SSP!
@DelacoursLangur There is no doubt they went function over form with this exhibit, but I’m okay with it. At the end of the day I feel like it serves the elephants well. The viewing of this particular yard is actually pretty decent. You can view it from multiple areas all along the large entrance ramp. Although you won’t be able to view the elephants in the new 10 acre preserve yard, again I’m okay with that. It serves a different purpose for the health of the elephants and that’s a win.
Now the old elephant exhibit brings more of the form to it. It’s meant to serve as the interactive space for guests to learn all about elephants and their care. The aesthetics of that renovated exhibit will be more immersive than this space.