first signs of construction

The new elephant exhibit begins construction in about two months, but it is an addition in a field behind the rhinos with no access. So the first step is to start on the visitor pathway, which will cut through the end of the rhino exhibit. I was surprised (saddened, disgusted) at how far into the rhino yard it is - they cut it almost in half. I am hoping this is temporary until the path is done - the sign does say it is for construction vehicles. However the one keeper and docent I asked about it seem to think it is permanent. If so, this is a HUGE mistake. It is GREAT to have more room for elephants, but why give less room for rhinos? That is a big step backwards. I sincerely hope this new fenceline is not permanent.

That is sad. And for the new elephant exhibit in LA, we had to sacrifice state-of-the-art rhino habitats for two species, and one for hippos too. We almost totally eliminated the exhibition of rhinos here, and proper underwater viewing for our hippos. Our other pachyderms deserve a better future here as well.