Cincinnati Zoo opens new section of Elephant Trek

A new section of the Harry and Linda Fath Elephant Trek opened Monday at the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden, giving visitors the chance to see even more animals native to Asia and experience new educational exhibits focused on conservation.

The expansion features Asian small-clawed otters, Siamang gibbons, rhinoceros hornbills and enhanced landscaping, along with another vantage point for viewing the Zoo’s herd of eight Asian elephants.

“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,” said Director Thane Maynard. “This new area offers another great view of the elephants and opportunities to see other species native to Asia up close.”

Guests were able to watch the playful otters, Munti and Berbak, from multiple viewing spots. Vocal Siamangs Sebastian and Berbak caught attention with their loud calls – heard up to two miles away – and their dynamic movement. Both animal pairs have breeding recommendations from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, so future offspring could be in store.

The new area also introduced several interactive elements designed to educate visitors about wildlife and the importance of human-animal coexistence:

• The Tea Garden, which highlights how “elephant-friendly” tea farming can reduce conflict and protect elephant habitats.
• The Buzzing Bee Box, simulating the sound of bees to show how beehive fences deter elephants from crops in Africa and Asia.
• Pose Like a Siamang, a photo-op where visitors could mimic the gibbons’ unique swinging motion.
• You “Otter” Know What’s for Lunch, a game challenging guests to identify food by touch—just like otters do.
• The Tom Yum Soup Garden, inspired by the work of Bring the Elephant Home (BTEH), which showcases key ingredients in Thai cooking and explains how cultivating these crops can help protect farmland while supporting local communities.

The new additions continued the Zoo’s mission to connect guests with wildlife and promote sustainable solutions for conservation.

Elephant Trek