(click image to download map, 2.2MB)

The biggest habitat to open in Zoo history is coming to the Oklahoma City Zoo.

When the elephants return to the Oklahoma City Zoo, their new home will be part of the largest exhibit in Zoo history.

Plans call for the $23 million Asia-themed exhibit to open in 2011 with plenty of different habitats that they can enjoy.  The spacious exhibit will provide multiple diverse habitats for elephants including grassy knolls, shade trees, dust-bathing areas, scratching trees, mud wallows and swimming holes to enjoy.  The design will support the physical and psychological needs of elephants and will be home to family groups of elephants.

Other animals that may call the Asia habitat their home include greater one-horned rhinoceros, Komodo dragon, Sumatran orangutans, siamangs, sloth bears and various birds, amphibians and fish-all species native to Asia. 

The Oklahoma City Zoo is one of more than 60 zoos in North America increasing the size and scope of their elephant habitats.

The elephant yard in the new Asia habitat will include a barn and several yards to give ample room to both female and male elephants.  The design also includes a maternity area where the elephants can bear their young, allowing the Zoo to further its conservation efforts surrounding these beautiful and endangered mammals.