After years of planning and construction, the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden’s biggest habitat in its nearly 150-year history is set to open to the public this fall.
On Wednesday, the zoo announced that Phase 1 of the brand-new and much-anticipated Harry and Linda Fath Elephant Trek will open on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The herd that will call the habitat home includes bull elephant Sabu, females Anuk, SheRa, Jati, Mai Thai and Schottzie, and two young males, Kabir and Sanjay.
In Elephant Trek, the herd will have access to multiple spaces inside the Farmer Family Foundation Elephant Center, as well as three outdoor yards. The design is flexible and allows the keeper team the ability to manage the herd as a whole or as individuals; it’s also helpful during introductions between elephants.
Visitors will enter Elephant Trek through the Komminsk Asian Waterfall Garden, which features Asian-themed landscaping that’s designed to mimic the natural environment found in Southeast Asian forests. The garden includes both Southeast Asian plants and those native to Cincinnati but resemble other plants found around the world, like Catalpa. Visitors will also be able to view the elephants both in indoor and outdoor spaces.
“Linda and I couldn’t be more thrilled to see the elephant herd thriving in their new space,” said Harry Fath, whose donation made Elephant Trek possible. “It’s important to us that future generations get the chance to see and be inspired by these amazing creatures. The work that Cincinnati Zoo does to care for elephants here and in Asia is something that we are proud to support. In short, our motivation for this gift was to give a gift to the citizens of Greater Cincinnati.”
Elephant Trek also features The Brynne and Robert Coletti Overlook, which is located on top of the Elephant Center and can be booked for private events. Other good viewing spots include the Western & Southern Financial Fund Picnic Pavilion, The Amy and George Joseph Terrace and The Mary and Scott Farmer Balcony. There are also food options, including the new Trunk Stop, Mai Thai’s Market and The Grove Food Court.
This is Phase 1 of the Elephant Trek. Phase 2 is expected to open in the spring of 2025 and include habitats for siamangs, babirusa, rhinoceros hornbills and small-clawed otters.
Elephant Trek is included with zoo admission, and Cincinnati Zoo members can preview it on Friday, Sept. 27 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Saturday-Sunday, Sept. 28-29 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Cincinnati Zoo, 3400 Vine St., Avondale. More info: cincinnatizoo.org.
