The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo African Elephant Crossing opens May 5th. I had a chance to meet the four female elephants before the exhibit opens to the masses.
Pictured below is my favorite, Martika, who is known as the playful one. I noticed that right away as some of the elephants would stay back and eat their treats but Martika came very close to reporters and didn't seemed scared. I really like how she is known for tucking hay and other treats between her trunk and tusks to save for later.
Check out pictures of the elephants here 
While looking at all of them, you would think trainers would have a hard time telling them a part but they don't. I was told, like humans, elephants have different personalities.
Jo, is the oldest elephant and largest of the female elephants who is known as being very confident. She is best at learning new behaviors from her keepers.
Moshi is known as the independent one. She is the most cooperative in training sessions and is the best painter.
Shenga is the social one. She is from Nebraska and came to Cleveland after her soul mate passed away in 2010.
Willy is the only male elephant and not much is known about him since he just came here from Disney's Animal Kingdom. He has been described as laid back who gets along with other elephants. He will be the largest animal ever on exhibit weighting 13,000 pounds.
When construction was several months underway, I was invited for a tour behind the scenes.
Click here for more photosAfrican Elephant Crossing has four times the amount of space the old exhibit had and gives the elephants plenty to do from digging, swimming, and bathing under a waterfall.
