Episode 52
Located directly across the main entrance is the peak of quality at the Cleveland MetroParks Zoo - the award winning African Elephant Crossing. In 2011, the zoo went from having arguably the worst pachyderm complex in the country, to having a ground breaking project that other zoos should emulate. The exhibit features two sprawling outdoor yards for their elephant herd. That offers chances to forage for their own food, go deep-water swimming, and even migrate from one exhibit to another directly through the African Elephant Crossing's entrance. See for yourself if this attraction was most deserving of being awarded for the zoo's significant achievement in elephant care.
Aviary Species: Yellow-backed Starling, African Grey, Green Woodhopoe, African Pygmy Goose, Black-cheeked Lovebird, Black Crake
Possible Unanswered Questions: The African Elephant Crossing is the zoo's second most expensive exhibit at $25 million. What's the first? The RainForest at $30 million.
I state the AEC is the second largest exhibit in the zoo at 4 acres. What's the largest? The African Savanna at 6 acres