The idea of allowing visitors to see the keeper care area that would normally be behind-the-scenes is great. I think it also goes a long way toward refuting animal extremist claims that elephants are mistreated when not on display (because, in a sense, they are never not on display).
Allowing visitors to get up close to the back side, even with all the metal, is fine. HOWEVER, I wish they would have hidden the front of the building so it is not such an eyesore from the main viewing areas. Of course the whole exhibit is so unnatural that it may not have helped. I know we have debated EO extensively elsewhere, but as a member of SD Zoo & Animal Park, I am deeply troubled by the direction they have gone with this. It is a HUGE step backwards for a zoo that had a series of groundbreaking exhibits in the late 80's and 90's with Gorilla Tropics, Tiger River, Hippo Beach (now Ituri Forest).
