Pachyderm House
IN THIS EXHIBIT
ANIMALS
Imagine taking care of animals that weigh more than a ton! Where would they sleep? How would you feed them? What if they need a bath?
Staff at Pachyderm House know the answers to these big questions. Keepers work with the black rhinos, hippos, African elephants, pygmy hippos, and lowland tapirs every day, training them in a variety of behaviors that allow the zoo to provide the best care.
In cooler weather, the animals live indoors and guests can stand within a few feet away. In summertime, many pachyderms head to their outdoor pools to keep cool. A large platform overlooking the hippos grants a great view.
Also watch for the tapir taking a swim, African elephants basking the mist of their giant enrichment tree, or the pygmy hippo napping in its mud wallow. The rhinos beat the heat with a roll around in the dust, which cools them down, protects their sensitive skin, and keeps the bugs from biting.
Indoors or out, keepers closely monitor the health and well-being of these massive mammals. A big part of their care involves scientific study and research, such as the groundbreaking investigations CZS has made into rhino nutrition and breeding.