The clouded leopards, red pandas and sloth bears are readying their new homes at the National Zoo.
They are part of the $52.7 million Asia Trail exhibit that was supposed to be unveiled this week but was delayed until October so the animals can adjust to their new surroundings.
The Asia Trail is the largest improvement project at the zoo in 40 years, spokesman John Gibbons said. The improvements include an expansion of the habitat for the zoo’s popular giant panda cub, Tai Shan, and his parents.
“It’s a very big deal for the zoo,” Gibbons said.
To make sure the animals are ready for their new habitats, zookeepers gradually let them exercise in theirnew yards, or aquarium, as in the case of the Japanese giant salamander. Each day the animals stay in the new habitat for a little longer than the day before. The extra time allows the staff to make sure that the new habitats are safe for the animals, as well as visitors.
Other animals housed along the Asia Trail will be the small-clawed otters, fishing cats.
The Asia Trail is set among waterfalls, rocky outcrops and bamboo groves. Its quarter-mile path covers nearly 6 acres and took 2 1/2 years to build. It required 8,033 cubic yards of concrete, about 3,050 square feet of glass and more than 400 tons of steel to build.
The National Zoo’s Fujifilm Giant Panda Habitat and Asia Trail are set to open Oct. 17.
