• Home
• ...
• Asian Elephants
• Elephant Trails
• Under Construction

• Letter from the Director
• Features of Elephant Trails
• Construction Slideshow
• Site Plan Concept
• Conservation and Science Program
• Education Program
• Campaign Brochure
• Make a Donation
• Asian Elephant Facts

Building Elephant Trails

Making a new home for our elephants requires some heavy lifting! Construction on Elephant Trails began in March 2008, when crews began clearing the way for our expanded elephant habitats, new barn, and renovated historic elephant house. These improvements will greatly expand the National Zoo’s elephant care facilities, making an even better home for our Asian elephants.

We hope that you’ll excuse our mess as construction continues. Phase One is nearly done! From Olmsted Walk, visitors can now see the exterior of the new addition to the Elephant House, and they have a great view of Habitat 3 from the bridge between Asia Trail and the Bird House. If all goes according to the schedule, the Zoo's elephants will begin experiencing some of their new home in 2010.

Enjoy our slideshow of construction progress.

Construction Schedule

Phase One (to be completed in 2010): Barn (an addition to the Elephant House), Habitat 2 (the area behind the current Elephant House), Habitat 3 (the area that will reach down to the top of Beaver Valley), the Outpost (which will be located at the top of Beaver Valley), and the Elephant Exercise Trek (a path that replaces the road to the Bird House).

Phase Two (2009–2011): Elephant Community Center (the renovated Elephant House), Habitat 1 (the area to the left of the Elephant House, when viewed from Olmsted Walk), and plaza (the front of the Elephant Community Center).

See the Site Plan.

Will Visitors Be Affected?

Olmsted Walk, the Zoo's main path, will remain open during construction. From time to time, Olmsted will be fenced off briefly to allow construction vehicles to move on and off the site. Flagmen and safety personnel will guide visitors during these times.

The Zoo's Elephant House closed to the public on September 14 to let the next phase of Elephant Trails get underway. On warm days, the Zoo's three elephants are on view outside during exhibit hours but may occasionally be inside (and out of view). more

Help Us Build Elephant Trails

Make a donation today.