The public opening of \"Elephant Trails\" at the Smithsonian\'s National Zoo Saturday marks a major expansion for the Asian elephant exhibit.
An elephant named Ambika greets visitors to the 'Elephant Trails' exhibit at the National Zoo in D.C. Thursday. The new exhibit opens to the public Saturday. (WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Elephants explore their new home part of the Asian elephant exhibit at the National Zoo Thursday. The animals can turn on showers and have tires to play with. Sand piles and elevated terrain within the exhibit are intended to encourage the elephants to exercise and forage. (WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
The new 'Elephant Trails' exhibit at the National Zoo opens to the public noon Saturday. (WTOP/Kristi King)
WTOP/Kristi King
Washingtonian editor in chief Garrett Graff poses for a picture with the winners of a letter writing contest Ethan Schipper, Tony Phonemany and Sarah Price along with Zoo Director Dennis Kelly inside the new 'Elephant Trails' community center at the National Zoo Thursday. (WTOP/Kristi King)
WASHINGTON – The Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington is opening an expansive new community center for elephants and hopes to begin expanding its herd.
The public opening of ‘Elephant Trails’ on Saturday marks a major expansion for the Asian elephant exhibit. The $56 million overhaul was completed over the past seven years.
Now the three elephants can roam freely in and out of two buildings with sand floors, a wading pool, showers they can activate with a foot pedal, and other activities for socializing and playing. A larger outdoor space includes a long walking trail.
Before, the elephant house had individual stalls connected to a small yard.
The zoo hopes to eventually grow a herd of eight to 10 elephants. It’s also studying ways to protect the endangered species.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
