Future Zoos: What Will They Look Like?

Elephants will enjoy more comfy, natural digs.

From 4-D exhibits to state-of-the-art veterinary care, zoos across the U.S. continue to change, modernize and grow for the benefit of both humans and non-human animals.

Female Asian elephants Panya and Jean are getting ready for a new state-of-the-art elephant exhibit at New Orleans' Audubon Zoo. Set to open in late summer 2014, the 42,000-square-foot exhibit will include an elephant barn with heated, padded floors. The outdoor area will be contoured, with gentle inclines to feature shade trees, pools, and a replica of a fallen tree trunk, where keepers plan to hide tasty treats -- like pumpkins -- for the elephants to dig out.