Los Angeles Zoo

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Nurturing wildlife and enriching the human experience. www.LAZoo.org

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Rainforest of the Americas is the newest state-of-the-art exhibit opened at the Los Angeles Zoo and Botanical Gardens. This exhibit immerses visitors in the theme, “the rainforest is a home.” Tropical rainforests are full of life. From the treetops to the rivers, creatures are crawling, flying, slithering, hiding, sleeping, and living. Detailed sculptures, educational graphics, and architectural elements create an immersive experience for visitors, while specific animal highlights include amazing critters from piranhas and giant otters, to harpy eagles and cotton top tamarins.

The LAIR (Living Amphibians, Invertebrates, and Reptiles) encompasses several visually stunning areas that include habitats for various unique and endangered species. Over 60 species of amphibians, invertebrates, and reptiles are represented in this assortment of living jewels. Each habitat is beautifully themed with hand-painted murals of damp and misty forests, rainforest canopies, red rock formations, mountain ranges and vistas, and dry arid deserts to exemplify the natural environments of the many diverse species.

Elephants of Asia habitat includes 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 focuses on the rich connection between elephants and the cultures of Thailand, India, China, and Cambodia. The exhibit familiarizes guests with the challenges Asian elephants face in the wild, including their shrinking natural habitat, and gives visitors the opportunity to directly contribute to conservation programs that support elephants in their native countries.