They say an elephant never forgets and Tuesday was a memorable day at the Oregon Zoo.
Its herd of seven moved into the final phase of their huge new home, called “Elephant Lands.”
“We’re introducing them to the South Habitat,” said caretaker Bob Lee. “We can now connect all the habitats and they can decide how to spend their day.”
There are pools, automated feeders, mud and more to keep the animals busy in the six-acre space.
It’s four times larger than where they lived before.
The $57 million project took more than two years to complete and the cost was mostly covered by a zoo bond.
“We will be watching them closely during the transition,” said PSU researcher Sharon Glasser. "We’re tracking their movement and behavior.”
The zoo hosted an invitation-only crowd for a Tuesday preview.
On Wednesday all zoo visitors can get a look at “Elephant Lands” during regular daylight hours.
“This features the best of what you’ll find around the world,” said Metro Councilor Kathryn Harrington. ”It really allows a much closer look at these magnificent creatures.”
