Moving homes can be quite the endeavor, even more so when you’re a 5-ton African elephant. Milwaukee County Zoo’s beloved elephants, Brittany and Ruth, were temporarily off the grid as they transitioned into their luxurious new $16.6 million residence, set to open for public visits on May 4th.
In this massive overhaul, which revamped nearly a quarter of the zoo, the new 1.6-acre outdoor habitat features a 98,000-gallon watering hole for the pachyderms to enjoy, as well as feeding and enrichment walls, shade structures, and even a street-sweeper-turned-back-scratcher hidden within a faux tree trunk!
The 20,000-square-foot Elephant Care Center boasts five stalls with sand-filled floors for training, enrichment, and medical procedures, as well as barrels of food and treats hanging from the ceiling. It’s worth noting that the new center has room for one more elephant, which means Milwaukee may welcome a new female pachyderm in six to eight months.
The zoo’s charismatic elephants, each with their unique personality, are incredibly popular among visitors. Brittany, the “princess” of the duo, is a bit lazy, while Ruth can be somewhat challenging with new keepers. Despite their 38 years, these geriatric elephants maintain an active daily exercise regimen, including walking, aerobics, and some impressive moves that would give Jane Fonda a run for her money!
Visitors can watch zookeepers work with the elephants from bleachers, learn more about these fascinating creatures through informative signs, and even discover how much an elephant poops each day via wheelbarrows filled with replica elephant droppings.
Hahaha, I can’t believe they actually have an exhibit on elephant poop! Can’t wait to see that in person!”
“Those elephants are living the high life in their new home! I’m jealous of their fancy back-scratcher!”
“I’m so excited to see Ruth and Brittany show off their Jane Fonda moves during my next zoo visit!”
“Who knew elephants had dominant tusks? Next time, I’ll try to spot if they’re right or left-tusked!”
“A street-sweeper-turned-back-scratcher? Now that’s what I call upcycling!”
The new elephant home, made possible by both Milwaukee County funding and donations, will soon be ready to welcome the public, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors as they connect with these awe-inspiring gentle giants in their new abode.
