L.A. ZOO'S ELEPHANT EXPLORES NEW HABITAT

On the morning of Thursday, November 4, 2010, the Los Angeles Zoo moved 25-year-old Asian elephant Billy into a completed section of the new six-acre Elephants of Asia exhibit, scheduled to open December 16. Zoo staff used pumpkins to create a trail for Billy to follow into his new home. After cautiously stepping into the new habitat, Billy began eating the pumpkins along with some of the landscaping. Billy then showered himself underneath the new waterfall and dug into the river sand which surrounds the habitat.



"Seeing Billy explore and engage inside his new habitat, was an amazing and rewarding sight," said Los Angeles Zoo Director John Lewis. "All of the hard work and dedication on the part of Zoo staff and supporters is paying off and the Los Angeles Zoo is excited to share this incredible exhibit and these stunning animals with Angelenos."



The new Elephants of Asia exhibit is scheduled to open December 16th. The habitat will include features dedicated to the health and welfare of the elephants such as bathing pools, sandy hills, varied topography, enrichment opportunities and a state of the art barn that is capable of caring for elephants of all ages. Elephants of Asia will focus on the rich connection between elephants and the cultures of Thailand, India, China and Cambodia. The exhibit will familiarize guests with the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild, including their shrinking natural habitat, and give visitors the opportunity to directly contribute to conservation programs that support elephants in their native countries.