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Back Sand Yard
The back sand yard covers more than 25,000 square feet. The yard’s most notable feature is a huge, 80,000-gallon swimming pool — large enough for 10 elephants, though it is unlikely more than three would choose to use it at any given time. Elephants love to get wet, both to stay clean and to cool off, and the pool allows them a deep place in which they can completely submerge. As in the front yard, a shaded area provides relief from the summer sun, while overhead heaters help the elephants keep warm in the winter.
The back sand yard also offers a belly scratcher: a wall with scratching surfaces positioned at different heights for elephants of all sizes. The concrete’s rough finish provides a scratching surface for bellies and legs. The corrugated exterior allows the elephants to scratch their heads, backsides and sides.
Indoor Rooms
The Oregon Zoo elephant home features six indoor rooms, one of which is available for public viewing. Combined, these rooms total more than 15,000 square feet. Each room features soft rubber flooring, as well as fans, heaters, water tanks, automatic drinkers and hay feeders.
Elephant Chute
The chute is an important tool for restricting an elephant’s movement. Hydraulically operated moving walls allow keepers and vet staff to safely hold an elephant in place while they conduct foot examinations, draw blood samples, administer injections and perform other routine medical and husbandry procedures.
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