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Cincinnati Zoo receives prestigious national award for world-class habitat

CINCINNATI, OH (October 2, 2026) – Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden is celebrating a big win for Elephant Trek, which received Top Honors in the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Exhibit Award category. This prestigious national award was announced Wednesday, September 30, during the AZA Annual Conference in Portland, Oregon.

Supporting Materials | Elephant Trek Video Walkthrough

“We are proud of what we built at Elephant Trek and thrilled to be recognized by our peers and the AZA Honors and Awards Committee for its excellence,” said Cincinnati Zoo director Dave Jenike. “Elephant Trek represents the future we believe is possible for Asian elephants, one rooted in exceptional care, meaningful conservation, and deeper public connection.”

While the physical layout of that habitat was of great importance, exhibit design was just one of many elements considered by the Exhibit Award judges. Applicants were also required to demonstrate that the goals for their exhibits aligned with institutional missions and AZA’s strategic plan. Other considerations included quality of messaging and learning materials presented in the exhibit, animal and guest safety, emphasis on conservation and sustainability, and animal care and husbandry.

Elephant Trek, the largest habitat on Cincinnati Zoo’s campus, was designed to be a model for modern elephant management. It features a new 3.8-acre outdoor habitat, a 15,000 sq.ft. Elephant Center, off-habitat care yards, & expansive visitor viewing experiences. The habitat prioritizes animal choice, enrichment, welfare research, & advanced protected contact management practices. The space also houses siamangs, Asian small-clawed otters, babirusa, & rhinoceros hornbills.

The Zoo’s commitment to sustainability & conservation education is evident throughout Elephant Trek. The project incorporates naturalistic landscapes, preservation of legacy trees, water & energy efficiency strategies, & LEED Platinum construction practices. Through Elephant Trek, the Zoo creates one of North America’s most progressive & sustainability-forward elephant habitats while inspiring visitors to become active advocates for wildlife conservation & coexistence.

“Congratulations to the team at the Cincinnati Zoo for their hard work and dedication in achieving this remarkable recognition,” said Dan Ashe, president and CEO of the AZA. “This award recognizes the best of the best in the global aquarium and zoo community. The work being done at the Cincinnati Zoo further strengthens the impact of our entire community and is something Cincinnati can be proud of.”