Smithsonian National Zoo New Elephant Exhibit

I just read this article from a link on the right side of ZooChat (where news flashes). I have not seen the exhibit myself, although I did see the old one and anything other than it is a huge improvement. However, I think the author makes some very valid points. As I stated on another thread, most of the new really good elephant exhibits are for african elephants. I have yet to see an outstanding asian elephant exhibit, although Saint Louis is the best I have seen. I know we are all anxiously awaiting pictures from Los Angeles when it is done, but from the construction I saw when I was there over the last year (and based on L.A.'s mediocre recent openings), I am not too hopeful.
 
Many very valid points - and very disappointing to hear another new elephant exhibit built below par.
 
It doesnt matter how much better it is from other elephant exhibits - the true measure is how much better is it for the elephants. In this case it seems that they only enlarged the exhibit. The next test is what the zoo does with the space exactly.
 
Lots of valid points made--though as others have pointed out it is a huge improvement and will be better than 90% of existing Asian elephant exhibits out there. It should be pointed out that the author was fired from his position as Curator at Melbourne Zoo, but prior to that was deeply involved in designing their Asian elephant exhibit, which is no bigger than National Zoo's but does have better viewing relationships and incorporates the mounds of soil and sand that the elephants seem to enjoy.
 
Lots of valid points made--though as others have pointed out it is a huge improvement and will be better than 90% of existing Asian elephant exhibits out there. It should be noted that the author was "let go" from his position as Curator at Melbourne Zoo, but prior to that was deeply involved in designing their Asian elephant exhibit, which is no bigger than National Zoo's but does have better viewing relationships and incorporates the mounds of soil and sand that the elephants seem to enjoy.
 
Denver's exhibit looks innovative and promising. I'm happy that here in Cleveland, rather than just enlarging the space we created many new different features such as a beautiful grove of trees in our Mopani Range along with grassy, sandy, and muddy areas. Not to mention the many trees built to disguise the building which also function as shade for the elephants as well as trees they can browse on. The fake rock functions as scratching areas for the elephants, and all and all every little detail was taken into account with our new elephant exhibit. We also have a back off-exhibit yard that is notable for it being heated so the elephants can go outside on winter nights and having extremely deep sand. And one more thing, the guests vantage point is looking up at the elephants, as the exhibit is slightly elevated above the pathway. That was something mentioned in the article.

In all honesty, Elephant Trails looks to be a bit of a disappointment, and although it is much larger than their previous home there are not that many innovative features, and they are still using free contact. Denver is switching to protected once Asian Tropics open so why can't DC? All this exhibit looks to be is well manicured grass with a basic pool, nothing too special.
 
gerenuk said:
What's wrong with free contact?
Click to expand...

For starters look what happened at the Toledo Zoo. With free contact, there is a chance of a keeper being attacked which ignites all sorts of political and ethical issues on the zoos part. It's just not worth it.
 
gerenuk said:
What's wrong with free contact?
Click to expand...

In short: sometimes people die, and elephants are managed using force (or the threat thereof).

No practice gives PETA etc. more compelling "talking points" in their campaign to eliminate elephants from zoos than the sight (and videos) of macho male elephant keepers smacking their charges with bullhooks.
 
After reading the article, the author does have some good points. Even though it is better than their old home, it is just like their old home besides size, grass, and trees close by. The major changes between their old homes is the Elephant Barn updated and the Elephant Trek(which the author said is a paved road). Like Arizona Docent said, all the best elephant exhibit in the US so far are for the African Elephant and not their smaller cousins the Asian Elephants. Hopefully the LA and Denver will change that but for now the elephant exhibit at the National is atleast above average in my opinion
 
I posted some pics from my visit yesterday.

I do find it odd that the Elephant Trek is paved.

Otherwise, it's solid as it gives them a good amount of space, but it's not much more lush than EO for example and doesn't have near the same quality of pool. The different vantage points are nice though other than being able to see people on the other side.
 
Does anyone know if the zoo is trying to aquire more elephants to fill up this exhibit? Or are they waiting for phase 2 to be completed?
 
A new article has been posted at ShowMe Elephants regarding the history of Dzimbo, a male African Forest elephant (Loxodonta cyclotis) at the Smithsonian National Zoo. If anyone has more information or photographs regarding this animal, please share by commenting or sending me a personal message.

>> "National Zoo - Dzimbo" at ShowMe Elephants
 
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