Toyota Elephant Passage

Denver Zoo’s Toyota Elephant Passage, a major 10-acre project, set a new benchmark for how to sustainably care for, breed, and exhibit zoo-based populations of animals whose native habitats and ecosystems are in great jeopardy. The species list includes Asian elephants, Indian rhinoceros, Malayan tapir, and various small mammals and birds.

The site consists of five animal habitats created to immerse visitors in a dynamic Asian tropic ecosystem. These habitats are linked to allow the animal staff flexibility in managing and exhibiting the animals. There is also a demonstration area for visitors to observe animal staff interacting with the animals in a protected contact environment. A new Asian village was also designed with food service, retail, and restrooms.

Significant goals were established for the project to be a model for environmental stewardship and high performance building design. The entire site, including all 10 buildings, received LEED Platinum certification.