The African elephant exhibit is in the neighbourhood of 3 acres in size, but the main on-exhibit section is not that large and much of the space is taken up by an off-exhibit section that is accessed via this very steep trail. As the aging elephants get even older (the youngest of the 4 females is almost 30) then I wonder how often they will utilize the hillside enclosure that is not seen by visitors. Also of note is that when an elephant is on the trail then a zoo employee must be standing guard in the viewing area where this photo was taken to keep visitors away from the railing as an elephant could conceivably reach through and touch a human. I was told that the elephants at the zoo have become physically fit due to the trail being added in late 2012/early 2013.
It must me acknowledged and celebrated that the location of this zoo can make standard exhibit design challenging. The zoo has repeatedly risen to the occasion, creating something that is perfect for their unique needs.
I believe that since Dallas Zoo's "Giants of the Savanna" it has been realized that elephant exhibits ought to challenge the animals somewhat so they can stay fit.
