Skip to content
NOWCAST WLWT News 5 Today
Watch on Demand
Advertisement

Cincinnati Zoo opens new area inside Elephant Trek exhibit with otters, gibbons, & more

Cincinnati Zoo opens new area inside Elephant Trek exhibit with otters, gibbons, & more
Advertisement
Cincinnati Zoo opens new area inside Elephant Trek exhibit with otters, gibbons, & more
Visitors are now able to experience the newest addition to the Cincinnati Zoo's Elephant Trek.The final phase of the exhibit opened Monday. The expanded area features Asian small-clawed otters, Siamang gibbons, rhinoceros hornbills, all featured among the stunning landscape, offering an immersive experience into Asia's wildlife.“We opened the main part of Elephant Trek in October, and visitors have enjoyed seeing our herd of eight Asian elephants inside and out since then,” Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard said. “This new area offers another great view of the elephants and opportunities to see other species native to Asia up close.”Guests are also able to see otters Munti and Berbak from multiple viewing spots and hear the loud, far-reaching calls of Siamangs Sebastian and Berbak, which can travel up to two miles. Both pairs of animals have breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, raising the possibility of future offspring at the zoo.The new area also includes interactive elements designed to educate visitors about the animals and promote conservation efforts:The Tea Garden highlights the role of tea farms in elephant habitats and promotes “elephant-friendly” farming practices.The Buzzing Bee Box demonstrates how beehive fences deter elephants from raiding crops.Pose Like a Siamang Photo Op invites visitors to mimic the unique movements of Siamangs.You “Otter” Know What’s for Lunch Game challenges guests to identify food by touch, just like otters.The Tom Yum Soup Garden showcases ingredients that deter elephants from farmlands while supporting local economies, inspired by the work of Bring the Elephant Home (BTEH).Also this month, the zoo will come alive with an explosion of color made by 110,000 tulips and more than a million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs.While Zoo Blooms is already underway, the zoo's horticulture director says the zoo is expected to be in peak bloom during the next two weeks.The Cincinnati Zoo is open at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. daily.

Visitors are now able to experience the newest addition to the Cincinnati Zoo's Elephant Trek.

The final phase of the exhibit opened Monday.

Advertisement

The expanded area features Asian small-clawed otters, Siamang gibbons, rhinoceros hornbills, all featured among the stunning landscape, offering an immersive experience into Asia's wildlife.

“We opened the main part of Elephant Trek in October, and visitors have enjoyed seeing our herd of eight Asian elephants inside and out since then,” Cincinnati Zoo director Thane Maynard said. “This new area offers another great view of the elephants and opportunities to see other species native to Asia up close.”

Guests are also able to see otters Munti and Berbak from multiple viewing spots and hear the loud, far-reaching calls of Siamangs Sebastian and Berbak, which can travel up to two miles. Both pairs of animals have breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, raising the possibility of future offspring at the zoo.

The new area also includes interactive elements designed to educate visitors about the animals and promote conservation efforts:

  • The Tea Garden highlights the role of tea farms in elephant habitats and promotes “elephant-friendly” farming practices.
  • The Buzzing Bee Box demonstrates how beehive fences deter elephants from raiding crops.
  • Pose Like a Siamang Photo Op invites visitors to mimic the unique movements of Siamangs.
  • You “Otter” Know What’s for Lunch Game challenges guests to identify food by touch, just like otters.
  • The Tom Yum Soup Garden showcases ingredients that deter elephants from farmlands while supporting local economies, inspired by the work of Bring the Elephant Home (BTEH).

Also this month, the zoo will come alive with an explosion of color made by 110,000 tulips and more than a million daffodils, hyacinths, flowering trees, shrubs and other spring bulbs.

While Zoo Blooms is already underway, the zoo's horticulture director says the zoo is expected to be in peak bloom during the next two weeks.

The Cincinnati Zoo is open at 10 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. daily.