In theory yes, in practice no. In fact, they do not even use this during public hours. (I photographed this right at 9am and immediately after this the metal gate that rolls down to cover these open gates was lowered). It is the strangest thing. During construction the zoo kept touting this as a major feature - the first interactive elephant area in America (which may or may not be true). But once the exhibit opened they never let the public see this. At first it was due to a fear (probably valid) that a child would get pulled by an elephant trunk and smashed against the gates. So then they added the waist level fence you see in front to prevent that. But they still never use it during public hours as far as I know. I just do not get it.
