Fresno Chaffee Zoo unveils renovated exhibit in Kingdoms of Asia

FRESNO, Calif. ( KSEE/KGPE ) – The revamp of the Kingdoms of Asia exhibit has been four years in the making, stalled by the global pandemic, but now the wait is finally over.

Three species of animals will live in the Kingdoms of Asia’s newest habitat: the Tapir, Babirusa, and Muntjac. They will co-exist in one habitat, similar to how they would be in the wild.

“The last piece is now in place a repurposing of the old elephant and rhino exhibit into something that is beautiful, modern, esthetically pleasing, and good for animals,” Director and CEO for the Fresno Chaffee Zoo, Jon Forest Dohlin said.

Once the home for the popular elephant, Nosey, and a one-horned rhino, the habitat is back with more modern features.

The space was curated with the animals’ needs in mind.

“One of the things we did here was take an old, outdated exhibit that was no longer fit for the animals that used to once be in it and turn it into something lush and beautiful and immersive and appropriate for a new species of animals in our care,” Dohlin said.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo will only house animals that are used to high temperatures, but the animals’ comfort was still a top priority in building the exhibit. Shaded trees and water to take a dip in are all included in the habitat.

“We want to both create experiences for our guests that are amazing, but also experiences for our animals that are amazing,” said Dohlin.

The Fresno Chaffee Zoo is open every day from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

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