Visiting the Elephants of Asia at the Los Angeles Zoo

The big explorer loves elephants. So it’s been tough going not having ready access to them locally at the Los Angeles Zoo. The good news is that after a long absence, they’re back – the Elephants of Asia exhibit is now open for visitors.

We made a special trip to the Zoo earlier this month just to see them. I’ll admit that with all the controversy surrounding the new exhibit, I had my doubts. But boy was I in for a surprise.

The brand-spanking new 6-acre exhibit is arguably the centerpiece of the Zoo. It helps that there are four separate viewing areas spread around the exhibit – one each representing elephants from India, Cambodia, China and Thailand. (I apologize for being unable to take a single decent photo!)

The main gateway to the new exhibit is alluring, with its life-size metal elephant statues and tons of informative displays. The big explorer was in heaven! He especially loved looking at the pictures within the displays, which spin around to provide information on the back about all things elephant (think drinking, eating and pooping).

There was plenty more to see and read throughout the exhibit, too – much of it focused on how Asian elephants and humans interact, the threats the elephants face and what we can do to help. But kids can only take so much. So I was happy to find an extremely helpful Zoo educator on hand at the Thailand area to introduce us to the elephants and the exhibit.

Here, we learned that the exhibit is home to three adult elephants – one male and two females. The new-and-improved facility includes some cool features for the elephants, like pools and waterfalls designed for bathing, plus a more varied and natural topography. There are also opportunities for guests to watch trainers feeding the elephants or performing basic health checks.

We were lured around the exhibit by the hopes of catching a closer glimpse of the elusive male (and his huge tusks), but by the time we made our way to Cambodia from Thailand, he’d worked his way back. Foiled!

The view from the Cambodian lookout

We weren’t too disappointed, though, because as we were roaming from one viewing area of the Elephants of Asia exhibit to the next, we also checked out some of the Zoo’s other residents.

It made for a perfect morning of wildlife watching. I’m impressed with the new exhibit and am eagerly awaiting the unveiling of the Zoo’s next big project: The Living Amphibians, Invertebrates and Reptiles exhibit.

Tips for Visiting With Kids

• Start at the Cambodian viewing area. You’ll get the best view and a good lay of the land from this vantage point.

• Explore the interactive displays. There’s plenty to see, read & touch, so allow time for kids to wander around a bit.

• Visit other animals, too. We came only to see the elephants, but enjoyed popping in to see other animals as we worked our way around the entire exhibit.

Planning Essentials

• The 6-acre Elephants of Asia exhibit is just one of many located within the Los Angeles Zoo
• Admission to the Zoo is $14 for adults, $9 for children ages 2 through 12, children under 2 are FREE
• The Zoo is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day except December 25; ticket sales end an hour before closing
• Ample free parking available

The Los Angeles Zoo is located at:
5333 Zoo Drive
Los Angeles, CA 90027


This review is based on my family’s personal experience. We did not receive any incentive to visit (i.e. no free tickets), nor any compensation for sharing my opinions. If you have any questions, read my full disclosure policy.