Critics have long argued the elephant enclosure is too small and Seattle's weather is too cold and too wet for the elephants. Groups like Friends of Woodland Park Zoo Elephants have long called for them to be moved to a sanctuary in California where the weather is warmer and there's a lot more room to roam.

While six elephants (five females and one male) currently live on Elephant Trails, the exhibit is large enough to house between eight and 10 adult elephants and their young. Although the elephants don't need to travel at the Zoo, Elephant Trails give them ample space to move around.

Most of the national park consists of artificial forest, and some animals have been introduced. The park is part of a wildlife corridor for elephants which connects the BR Hills and the Sathyamangalam forest.

Meru, Reid Park Zoo's playful calf, enjoys climbing over logs. Tucson's new baby elephant now has a name: Meru. Named after Tanzania's Mount Meru, the month-old calf's name was selected by community members who casted more than 19,000 votes for one of three options.