Taronga Western Plains Zoo’s new Elephant barn and facility is nearing completion with the construction set to be finished by the end of the year.

The new large state-of-the-art Elephant facility features three large stalls along with two large paddocks totalling over 7000m², these paddocks feature shade shelters, raised feeding stations and a deep swimming pool for the Elephants.

The new barn has been built with the environment in mind and features a 10kw solar system on the roof which provides power to all aspects of the Elephant facility including all three barns. The barn also takes advantage of natural sunlight and cross ventilation to help heat and dry out the facility after cleaning especially during the winter months.   The new barn also features a hydronic heating system for the Elephant’s sand beds as well as having gas heating throughout the barn.

The Elephant barn is equipped with numerous safety aspects including an elephant restraining device for conditioning purposes and to allow veterinarians to administer medical treatment if required.

 The Elephants are currently undergoing training at Taronga Zoo to familiarise them with the crate so they will feel comfortable travelling when they are transported to Taronga Western Plains Zoo, around March 2015.