ZOO Antwerpen - Egyptian Temple (Elephant)

Toddy · 28 Jan 2012

Part of the outdoor exhibit for Asian elephants (Elephas maximus) outside Egyptian Temple in ZOO Antwerpen. This exhibit was expanded to its current state in 1999. While this exhibit is quite small and no longer suited for keeping a herd of elephants, I can’t help but be impressed by the design of the exhibit which includes an actual canopy, a large pool and a large variety of enrichment features.

The ZOO currently keeps a small all-female elephant herd that is scheduled to move to a grand new exhibit in Planckendael in 2012.

The Egyptian Temple is the oldest animal house in the zoo built in 1856 and now functions as an elephant/giraffe house.

ZOO Antwerpen, July 2011.

Blackduiker · 28 Jan 2012

I do like the looks of this exhibit, particularly if used for a smaller group of elephants.

Toddy · 28 Jan 2012

Blackduiker said:
I do like the looks of this exhibit, particularly if used for a smaller group of elephants.

The outdoor exhibit holds up quite nicely and has been a good "patching solution" until funds could be raised for the new exhibit in Planckendael. However, the indoor housing in ZOO Antwerpen as completely inadequate for housing even a small group of elephants. While the outdoor exhibit is very well designed it is also a bit on the small side for a herd.

One solution for ZOO Antwerpen if they wish to still keep elephants until a new exhibit in the ZOO is built could be to house a single bull elephant. This would also help out in the EEP where unwanted bulls are becoming an increasing problem.

lintworm · 29 Jan 2012

If the females leave, two young bulls will inhabit this exhibit.

ZOO Antwerpen - Egyptian Temple (Elephant)

Toddy

Blackduiker

Toddy

lintworm

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