L.A. ZOO'S ELEPHANT EXPLORES NEW HABITAT

On the morning of Thursday, November 4, 2010, the Los Angeles Zoo moved 25-year-old Asian elephant Billy into a completed section of the new six-acre Elephants of Asia exhibit, scheduled to open December 16. Zoo staff used pumpkins to create a trail for Billy to follow into his new home. After cautiously stepping into the new habitat, Billy began eating the pumpkins along with some of the landscaping. Billy then showered himself underneath the new waterfall and dug into the river sand which surrounds the habitat.
"Seeing Billy explore and engage inside his new habitat, was an amazing and rewarding sight," said Los Angeles Zoo Director John Lewis. "All of the hard work and dedication on the part of Zoo staff and supporters is paying off and the Los Angeles Zoo is excited to share this incredible exhibit and these stunning animals with Angelenos."
The new Elephants of Asia exhibit is scheduled to open December 16th. The habitat will include features dedicated to the health and welfare of the elephants such as bathing pools, sandy hills, varied topography, enrichment opportunities and a state of the art barn that is capable of caring for elephants of all ages. Elephants of Asia will focus on the rich connection between elephants and the cultures of Thailand, India, China and Cambodia. The exhibit will familiarize guests with the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild, including their shrinking natural habitat, and give visitors the opportunity to directly contribute to conservation programs that support elephants in their native countries.

[@omarainbowd7742]

The happiness this elephant is showing is seriously giving joy 2 my heart sooooo good for the zoo 2 built such a amazing elephant enclosure bravvvoooooooooo

[@FluffyJetProductions]

How rewarding to see Billy enjoy his new habitat. What an adorable video. The health and welfare and conservation of all animals is extremely important. Thanks for sharing this great video LA Zoo.

[@ghipszky]

That is beyond wonderful to watch. All animals wild or domestic should get such great treatment.

[@maricelaromero8838]

I 💖 u BILLY THE ELEPHANT!!!🐘

[@greghm]

I love the size of the lock! feels like we are mini humans

[@NDietrich66]

"Uh-oh," he says. "Looks like a trick! And I thought they promised a private Slash concert?? Oh well, guess I'll just take a dip instead. Gotta remember to spray Slash next time he visits!"

[@pasapdub]

This is wonderful to see! Billy will the the star of a breeding program for endangered Asian elephants and two rescued circus animals are scheduled to join him. The self-appointed "elephant experts" (who really want to close zoos) can just go "save" someone else.

[@thegh0ST505]

So happy to see Biily boy enjoying playing with the water. Especially when he when under the splashing water, his mouth opened wide few times and his cute expression was like saying "Woh". His hugh long and very white trunk makes him look so outstanding. Thanks to all the staffs of LA zoo for their effort in creating a better enviroment for the animals to live in. You people are great and so are this beautiful and gorgeous animals.

[@shiboof]

Well. Better than what he had BUT would it have killed the zoo to make his pool deep enough so that he could have a proper swim?

[@biggy484]

i want so much to jump into a pool after seeing that.

[@tigris115]

I have to go to L.A. one day.

[@kathryncarter6143]

Smelling each new step, and then the wonderful bath. So happy he has a nice safe place where there is no hunting.

[@cruxgothgirlie]

That is the happiest elephant EVER.

[@HoneyBunny0225]

how lovely would it be to jump off that waterfall and land on an elephant. Visiting this exhibit soon!

[@mitzi32996]

@NewRoseProductions actually, there are two other female elephants, Tina and Jewel.

[@heroboy22]

This video sort of.... makes me happy

[@iluvny3000]

Slash awesome video - this is so cute!!!! :D

[@ediekoller2636]

Thank goodness L.A. Zoo has a great elephant exhibit. Last time I was there they were still building it. I still have another free ticket to get into the park which I got from the Gene AUtry museum across the way. So I will venture out one of these days if my feet hold up...Heck I am only in North Hollywood so its not that far away..>Yu guy have come a long way since my first visit back in 1961

[@FluffyJetProductions]

@pasapdub ...yes! It is a great to see!

[@diegocarrillo472]

Asian elephants can live up to 48 years.

[@sophy10000]

He looks so happy!!!! :)

[@melawshe]

So Great to see him act like a little calf! He loves his new home! Showers anytime!

[@2596Z]

Pretty big tusks for an Indian elephant

[@sleepnaught]

great video, thanks Slash for all your support in helping Billy!

[@nicomors]

Thumbs up if Slash sent you here

[@GreenEyes73]

LOVE this video! Happy boy! :)

[@GillesThavot]

@nicomors Oh yeah :P

[@sibkiss2009]

Wow Slash that is pretty cool.