John Lewis
Los Angeles Zoo Director

On December 16, 2010, the Los Angeles Zoo will open Elephants of Asia; the largest single expansion in the history of the L.A. Zoo. Covering over six acres of land at the heart of the Zoo, Elephants of Asia will celebrate elephants while informing us of the many challenges currently facing them in the wild. Elephants of Asia will highlight these challenges in regions of Cambodia, China, India, and Thailand in an effort to educate and inspire our visitors to help wild elephants.

What many may not know is the amount of hard work, dedication, and creativity it takes to put together such an expansive project. From construction and education to photographers and animal keepers, each individual who has worked on this project brought their unique expertise together to create a unique experience at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Here at the L.A. Zoo we are excited to not only share Elephants of Asia with you, but we are proud to give you an inside look on what it takes to create and complete such a grand project.

The following are personal diaries from many who have had been involved in completing this exhibit. Enjoy these first-hand accounts, check back for new entries, and come visit Elephants of Asia when it opens!

Tad Motoyama
Los Angeles Zoo Photographer

Coming from a photographer’s perspective, the new Elephants of Asia exhibit is ideal for photographing the elephants in an intimate setting. Practically every location has a good view of the elephants, though I would have to say the Cambodia section has the best view of the entire exhibit. If you’re looking for great close-ups of the elephants, the waterfall in the India overlook is where you'll want to pay close attention. The Thailand viewing area is quite colorful and allows photographers to take great images of the elephants without the barriers getting in the way. 

I was able to take some amazing photos of Billy the first time he was introduced to his new habitat at the India overlook. In many of my shots you can see just how excited and happy he was to be able to play in the water. It was quite an experience to hear him chirping and squealing as he splashed and waddled in the pool - it was like watching a child play in the bath.

If I had to give any advice about photographing the elephants, I would say the best time to take photos is in the morning on an overcast day. An 80-200 mm lens works well in the Cambodia section. If you want to get a close-up of the elephants at the India overlook, I suggest an 85-105 mm lens. Whether you're a professional photographer, a hobbyist or just looking for a souvenir photo; Zoo visitors will be able to get memorable photos from any of the habitat's views!

Gillian Efros
Director of Membership, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

In anticipation of our biggest exhibit opening ever, Elephants of Asia, the Membership Department has been working tirelessly to make sure this is a year for members to remember with pride. We will be holding a special preview for our Donor Club members and three days of previews for our general members. Our members will be the first to see and explore this state-of-the-art habitat.  Elephants of Asia will delight the public and members alike and help educate all about the plight of Asian elephants and the conservation work that the L.A. Zoo is participating in, as we work tirelessly to keep these magnificent animals from the brink of extinction.

Members are a major facet of the Zoo. We are proud to have the largest member base in Los Angeles. To show our appreciation, we are offering a limited edition plush elephant as well as a deluxe Elephants of Asia tote bag to our renewing members. Members will also receive membership cards with our beloved Billy pictured on them to commemorate this momentous occasion for Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association members and Los Angeles at large.

Nick Gutierrez and Kevin Copley
Los Angeles Zoo Education Specialists

The railing below the Chimpanzee Penthouse was lined by Education Department staff awaiting Billy the Elephant’s move into the new Elephants of Asia exhibit. The excitement of the moment was electric. Just as Billy headed towards the waterfall for his first shower, a school group joined us, curious about what we were so intently focused. We explained what was happening and suddenly had a captive audience. We discussed Asian Elephants with the children, their new home in the Zoo, our mission of conservation, and our pleasure at being able to share this momentous event with them. By the time they left, their excitement could barely be contained.

The Education Specialists of the Los Angeles Zoo dedicate their days to sharing information about animals with the public. One of our goals is to build bridges between our guests and our animals; creating a bond that will motivate people to care about animals everywhere. Since the arrival of Tina and Jewel, our newest elephants, Education Staff have been stationed close by, overlooking the Thailand yard and inviting guests to sneak a peek at them. The response of the public has been amazing. The positive energy is incredible, and anticipation for the exhibit’s grand opening has guests eager to return in a few short weeks to fully immerse themselves in Elephants of Asia. We in Education are excited about this opportunity to share our passion for these animals. Come join us in this epic triumph for the future of Asian elephants here at the Los Angeles Zoo.

Dr. Curtis Eng
Los Angeles Zoo Chief Veterinarian

My involvement with the Elephants of Asia project began over four years ago when I was asked to assist with the development of this exhibit. Most of it had already been completed and I was very much in agreement with the quality and style of the exhibit, specifically its focus on enriching and diverse environments, and its flexibility in managing the elephants. My particular input was needed to assure that the veterinary needs were being addressed both in the exhibit and within the elephant barn.

When I heard that we had identified Tina and Jewel to bring to the Zoo, I was ecstatic. I knew that Billy, our male elephant, would love the companionship. Plus I looked forward to working with more of these magnificent creatures and contributing to the preservation of the species. But it also meant the start of a lot of hard work.

The first thing we needed to do was to review the history of both Tina and Jewel and determine if they were healthy enough to be moved to the Zoo. Having been cared for by the San Diego Zoo, the animals were in wonderful shape. I coordinated with the San Diego Zoo vets on their assessment of the current medical status of the elephants and determined what pre-ship testing was needed. I then visually inspected them before the move. Once a date was picked, I again coordinated with their vets on the logistics of moving the animals – not necessarily a simple task when you have animals weighing as much as a house does.

The move went beautifully and the animals adjusted to their new home without a hitch. After they arrived, they entered our standard quarantine period so that we could adequately assess them and assure that there were no hidden medical issues that would be a threat to our other elephant, Billy. They have been repeatedly examined and evaluated, and are doing very well. It is tremendously rewarding to be part of a team that has put together a fantastic state-of-the-art exhibit and to see it finally come to fruition.

Jennie Becker
Los Angeles Zoo Curator of Mammals

I spent most of the day that Tina and Jewel were to arrive at the new barn hosing everything down. There was a layer of construction dust everywhere; not a very good welcoming for our new friends! As it’s a big barn, I spent a lot of time hosing and by the end of the day my boots and my pant legs were soaking wet, but there is something very relaxing about that process.

That evening I was in the barn alone for a long time, waiting and listening to the silence. My boyfriend asked me on the phone if I was afraid being there alone, and I told him that I really thought it was quite peaceful. And then, slowly but surely, other people started to arrive; the keepers, the construction crew, the huge crane, and lots of other people - everyone was active getting everything set up. And then we all waited together. The crew from San Diego arrived late in the evening. There was a lot of discussion and review about the details of unloading the elephants into the barn. Finally, Tina and Jewel arrived and their crates were lifted off of the truck and placed in front of the barn doors. First Jewel, and then Tina. The new girls were moved into the barn quietly and safely. There were a lot of smiles that night; a lot of excitement about what we have all accomplished and about what is in store for the future.

Thank you for believing so strongly in this project: to everyone here at the Zoo, to all of our members and volunteers, to the Los Angeles community, to the Zoo community-at-large, and to the San Diego Zoo.

Darryl Pon
Project Manager, Los Angeles Zoo Planning and Development Division

As Project Manager for the Planning and Development Division, my job is to facilitate communication regarding the Zoo’s projects between the different Zoo divisions, City Departments, consultants, contractors, and to keep key staff involved with and informed about the projects’ progress. For the Zoo’s Elephants of Asia habitat, I coordinated input from almost all of the Zoo’s many divisions.

With so many people and departments involved in developing Elephants of Asia, issues can crop up. Every week, various challenges and problems arise with each of the Zoo’s construction projects. I devise solutions to resolve these problems and dispel the issues. Every day is a new challenge! During a construction project, many elements have to be reviewed and coordinated between the Zoo and the Bureau of Engineering, the architects, and the contractors. Some examples include: what areas will be closed during construction, what types of furniture and fixtures should be installed, or how many and what kinds of plants are acceptable in an animal’s habitat.

For instance, the Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association (GLAZA) wanted donated visitor benches relocated to different viewing areas, but the plans already had the visitor benches mapped out. I redrew the plans to allow for more bench donation opportunities and to provide better viewing of the Asian elephants as they interact with each other and explore their habitat.

The Elephants of Asia exhibit is a tremendous asset for the City of Los Angeles. It is the culmination of the effort, work, and knowledge of so many people - I am very fortunate to have been a part of this project.

Jeff Holland
Los Angeles Zoo Curator of Mammals

The Chinese water deer was once prevalent in the wild and in zoological collections, but over the years that has dramatically changed. Once considered a common species, the Chinese water deer in the wild is now restricted to the central portion of its range in China located in the eastern Yangtze basin. The populations in northeastern and southeastern China are now extinct. The water deer is also found on the Korean peninsula in both South Korea and North Korea. Little information is known about the populations on the peninsula, but its distribution may be substantially reduced.

Poaching and habitat destruction are major threats to the species. The water deer is valued for its meat and the un-weaned fawns are hunted as well for the semi-digested milk found in its rumen, which is used in traditional medicine as a cure for indigestion in children. They are also considered a pest of rice fields in China and North Korea.

The water deer has some very unusual traits not seen in most deer. Unlike other deer species the Chinese water deer can give birth to litters of up to six fawns (although one to three fawns is more common). The Chinese water deer does not have antlers as is found in most deer species, but instead the males grow long canines (like tusks) that they use to fight with.

Over twenty years ago Chinese water deer were very common in zoological collections and in private collections. Today, the Los Angeles Zoo is the only AZA facility housing this species. It is now listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN and that very few remained in zoological collections in North America and Europe. Senior Animal Keeper Robin Noll brought the plight of the water deer to the attention of Zoo management. It is hoped that by housing the water deer here attention to their plight in the wild will be recognized by the many visitors visiting the Elephants of Asia enclosure and perhaps conservation of the species can gain support.

Tom LoVullo
Construction and Maintenance Supervisor II

When it comes to the construction aspect for the Elephants of Asia exhibit, we wanted to make sure that we covered all angles. The contractor for this was in tune with the needs and wants of not only the animals, but the keepers too.

In order to meet the requirements of both elephants and keepers, weekly meetings were held to ensure that specific details were addressed and put into consideration as the construction progressed. This wasn’t an easy task as different concerns came up every week, which resulted in the need to be flexible and alter construction plans. It was our responsibility to make sure stress levels remained low and productivity stayed high.

Our number one concern while building this exhibit was the care of the animals. We wanted to make sure that the elephants had an enriching space. In order to do so, we put many different exciting features in the exhibit. Including large shade trees, sprays, pools and waterfalls to cool the elephants down as well as provide clean drinking water; sand pits to ensure the proper podiatry for the elephants; and edible landscape to keep them interested in exploring their new home.

It was a very rewarding experience to see that the elephants had such a great response to their new home. With all of the hard work and dedication that went into this habitat, it’s gratifying to see the animals appreciate the labors of everyone involved.

Brenda Posada
Director of Publications, Greater Los Angeles Zoo Association

My six-year-old son thinks I have the coolest job in the world, coming to the Zoo each day to write about the animals that live here. But never has he been more excited than last month, when I was producing the “Billy & Friends” Coloring Book. It was with kids like him in mind that I proposed doing a coloring book to begin with.

I knew we’d produce an issue of Zoo View dedicated to elephants, but while most kids enjoy the beautiful photos in the magazine, they don’t read the articles. And the informative signage throughout the exhibit is typically read by the moms and dads. A coloring book, I thought, would allow us to convey basic information about elephant behavior, biology, and conservation, in a fun way for the six-and-under crowd.

Bringing my work home with me, I’d give my son sample pages to “test out” with his friends after school. He offered suggestions as to what pictures we should include, a few of which eventually made it into the book. World-renowned storyboard and comic book artist Gabriel Hardman did the art, and the book was printed thanks to funding from Wells Fargo. Seeing kids leaving the Zoo clutching a coloring book after visiting the new elephant habitat, makes me realize my son is right—I do have the coolest job in the world.

Greg Edgar
General Manager of Visitor Services

With all the excitement surrounding the grand opening of the new Elephants of Asia habitat, the food and merchandise departments wanted to make sure that we provided our Los Angeles Zoo patrons with the opportunity to take memories of their experience home with them after their visit is over, which is why we have added quite a bit of new elephant merchandise to our line-up.

In addition, we’ve invested much time and effort into enhancing our already existing food and snack facilities. Patrons will notice upgrades in restaurants and snack stands all around the Zoo to better accommodate the new surge of foot traffic.

Los Angeles Zoo patrons will be delighted to find elephant themed lunch boxes and cups for our kid’s meal in some of our restaurants, along with watches, plush animals, and men/women’s adult apparel in our gift stores.

Gina Dartt
Los Angeles Zoo Promotions Coordinator

With Elephants of Asia being the Los Angeles Zoo’s biggest habitat ever, we wanted to ensure that each Zoo visitor has a memorable, moving and informative experience. We thought it would be fun to incorporate art into the fanfare of the exhibit that Zoo-goers could take photos with and touch. Aside from being visually pleasing, the art we chose also represents the respective cultures of the countries featured in Elephants of Asia - Cambodia, China, India and Thailand. What we came up with is now known as the Art Project!

The Art Project consists of nine beautifully painted model elephants that lead Zoo patrons up to the new habitat. The models stand approximately five and a half feet tall and are located in several locations throughout the Zoo and around the exhibit.

The Zoo worked with the City of Los Angeles’ Cultural Affairs Department to locate the amazing artists that represented the countries and their cultures highlighted in the exhibit.

Two painted elephant sculptures represent each of the countries – Cambodia, China, India and Thailand. The ninth elephant is an artistic representation of the Earth’s endangered web of life, depicting animals from all over the world in a variety of environments. We hope that each of the models adds to the exciting experience of the Elephants of Asia exhibit.

Art of Rangoli

In India, the name Rangoli symbolizes beauty, hope and tradition. The ritual of drawing Rangoli patterns, a skill handed down from mother to daughter is considered an auspicious welcome sign. Women start their daily chores by drawing Rangoli designs in front of the threshold, prayer area, courtyards, walls, and in front of the sacred plant Tulasi. Drawn meticulously and with bare fingers, it is meant to ward off all evils and is revered as a divine art.

Rangoli patterns involve a floor design and are usually drawn using rice flour, chalk, fine quart powder, flower petals, grains or other natural materials made of vegetable dyes. Drawing and connecting simple dots or lines is what usually creates these exquisite floor designs. Most of the motifs are either geometric or they imitate the flora and fauna. Women draw more elaborate designs during special occasions, such as weddings, temple ceremonies and festivals. With this daily ritual, the women hope for the day to bring peace, health, good luck and prosperity.

Rangoli, also referred to as ‘Sand Mandala’, has various names throughout India: Kolam, Alpana, and Rangavalli. Rangoli is meant for the moment or the occasion. Like that of a flower, its freshness is short lived. To the uninitiated, the impermanence of the Rangoli art can be a candle in the wind. Once its purpose is served, it is erased and the ritual is repeated with the same intention and zeal.

Notes by Malathi Iyengar: Excerpts from ‘Dance & Devotion’ published by Rangoli Foundation. www.rangoli.org

Rangoli: Floor Design for Elephants of Asia Exhibit, Los Angeles Zoo

The creation of Rangoli art using acrylic paints has been a form of prayer for us. Each morning, we have had an opportunity to be among nature & animals as we draw and paint the designs. The ritual of painting on the ground is like worshipping the ground we walk on. The traditional floor design incorporates geometric and floral designs and an emblem of an Elephant in the middle. The halo around the Elephant suggests the morning Sun and the colors of the Indian Flag.

Artists: Suresh Iyengar & Malathi Iyengar; assisted by Lakshmi Iyengar & Sheila Aula