There's a bigger and better elephant exhibit opening up at the Milwaukee County Zoo on Saturday, May 4th.
It's been six months since elephants, Brittany and Ruth, have been on display to the public, as the zoo continued to work on an exhibit space that is four times the size of the old one.
Public Relations Coordinator, Jenny Diliberti, tells WTMJ that the Elephant Care Center and outdoor habitat better fits the needs of these majestic animals. It also gives visitors a better look at the the two females who are 38 years old.
“A lot of times when they get older they have some joint issues so, this whole recreation room, 400,000 square feet, is full of sand. It's kind of like their sand box,” said Diliberti.
The zoo is making it a priority to give the animals the best possible life in a zoo setting.
“If they're not going to be in Africa, what better place than here. They have an outdoor area that consists of 1.6 acres, different enrichment items to keep them active and healthy, a watering hole. They really have everything they would have in Africa,” explained Diliberti.
Elephant Care Coordinator, Erin Dowgwillo, has the job of looking after the 7,500 and 10,000 pound animals.
“Both elephants know about 40 different behaviors that allow us to take care of them every single day. So, we don't call them tricks necessary because they are all for husbandry or being able to take proper care of them. They do anywhere from putting their feet up so we can scrub them or do foot work, to putting their ears out to draw blood. They know how to lay down to scrub their backs,” Dowgwillo said.
The big reveal will take place at 10am with activities for the whole family.
The Milwaukee County Zoo is located at 10001 West Bluemound Road in Milwaukee.
Click here to learn more about the new elephant exhibit.