Indianapolis Zoo opens Tembo Camp, an up-close elephant experience
INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The celebration of the reopening of the Indianapolis Zoo comes with a couple of new attractions, including an experience where visitors can get up close and personal with some of the biggest animals around.
Tembo Camp lets visitors go behind the scenes with elephants and their caregivers.
“A lot of the stuff we do with the elephants is behind the scenes and here we are actually bringing the behind the scenes to you guys,” said Sabrina Paxton, senior elephant trainer.
Paxton and the other elephant trainers walk fans through the process of bathing and feeding one of the six African elephants. Visitors also get to see the different personalities of elephants. Sophie, at 52 years old, is the matriarch of the bunch.
“She’s quite an iconic individual,” Paxton said.
Paxton says people who have the chance should come to Tembo Camp to get an experience they can’t get anywhere else in the city.
“You’re not going to be able to meet (and) see an elephant this close so you guys have to come out and meet our friends,” she said.