Pachyderm House
IN THIS EXHIBIT
ANIMALS
Pachyderm House is currently closed for renovations that will help us provide the best possible animal care and guest experience. We apologize for any inconvenience.
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.