At the last minute we were invited and for two consecutive weeks we were located between the snake and gorilla exhibits. The next year we were invited to perform alone and 44,000 people came. Because of the success of the Indian cultural programs they have now constructed a permanent performance platform for dance. Most popular with visitors are the zoo's two Asian elephants, Tuss and Samuel R. 2nd. Tuss and Samuel R. are always popular with kids.
Elephants are among the most visited animals in zoos nationally.
The elephants require special care, particularly in their diet and grooming rituals. They are given regular pedicures, their nails are filed down, they are bathed and scrubbed, and we make sure there is enough Vitamin E in their diets so their hearts stay healthy. Books like 'Babar' are very endearing, children's first images of wildlife always include elephants. Not as popular, but an object of fascination nevertheless are the four gharials, or Indian crocodiles. These crocodiles are different in appearance from their African or American counterparts.