MILWAUKEE, Wis. (SPECTRUM NEWS) - After years of planning and construction --- The Milwaukee County Zoo opened up their new Elephant Exhibit on Saturday, May 4th.

The Zoo’s director said the new exhibit has been a monumental project for the staff since the commitment was made in 2013 to keep African elephants in the collection.

“This first phase of the Adventure Africa project showcases African elephants and the various state-of-the-art amenities and renovations necessary to give these animals the best possible care throughout their lives. This is an exciting time for the Zoo and our visitors, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Zoo Director Chuck Wikenhauser

According to the release, the new 20,000-square-foot Elephant Care Center features a recreation room with both sand and padded floors, five individual stalls for training and husbandry (allowing the elephants to participate in their own healthcare) and expansive space for enrichment activities.