Pathway to Asia – Opening 2026
Pathway to Asia
Big Cats, Bigger Spaces
The new tiger habitat will give the big cats room to roam while you look with wonder as these magnificent carnivores rest atop a lush landscaped hill. Enjoy the calming sounds of a bubbling waterfall and stream flowing into a sparkling pool perfect for a feline swim. Come closer for a view like none other as you “touch” the tigers through glass in a dynamic underwater experience set against a backdrop of ancient temple ruins.
Make a New Feathered Friend
When you enter Wings of Wonder, the new interactive aviary in Asia, you’ll be immersed in vibrant colors and friendly activity. You’ll meet some of the beautiful birds of Asia as you walk through their aviary on the winding pathways and can even opt for a bird feeding experience.
Sing with the Gibbons
The loud, melodious calls of the lar gibbons will draw you to an oasis unlike any other in the Zoo as you wind through the pathways towards the new primate habitat! You’ll marvel at their swinging overhead acrobatics as the gibbons rhythmically fly above you from poles to ropes with their long arm span. The harmonic sounds of running water will add a soothing counterpoint as you watch the apes explore their spacious new home.
A New Home for the Smooth and Scaly Residents
A trip to Asia would not be complete without meeting the largest lizard on earth. On this journey you’ll begin at the new Komodo dragon habitat, coming face-to-face with these reptiles that can reach up to 10 feet long! As you pass through to the new Robert Hamilton Tropical Discovery Center, you’ll be greeted with a refreshing cool breeze. This new climate-controlled home will house snakes, amphibians, lizards and turtles, creating a comfortable space for guests and animals alike. The naturalistic habitats – large and small – are designed for each species’ individual needs. You’ll have a rare opportunity to see these reptiles up close and understand why they are an important part of the ecosystem. As you continue your adventure through Asia, you will be welcomed by a colony of fruit bats hanging in their spacious habitat.
Red Panda & Muntjac Joint Habitat
Lush landscaping, trees for climbing and outdoor as well as indoor climate controlled habitats will provide the ideal environment for these charismatic animals. Red Pandas are very skillful and acrobatic animals that predominantly stay in trees. The small, muntjac deer are native to India, Southeast Asia, and southern China and are nicknamed the ‘barking deer’ as they sometimes react to predators by producing a dog-like sound.
Asian Small Clawed Otters
These playful otters live in family groups in small streams, rivers, and marshes. They are found in southern India, southern China, Southeast Asia, Indonesia, and the Philippines. As we went through the design process, we discussed the water levels, replicating the animals’ natural habitat as much as possible. the otter habitat will include a shallow upper pool which leads to a slide into a lower, deeper, pool that will have underwater viewing for guests to see these playful, active animals swimming.
Celebrate at the Kasser Family Lotus Pavilion
This unique event center will be the perfect place for Conservation Connection lectures, weddings, quinceañeras, bar and bat mitvahs, corporate events and more, as well as a place to stop in and take a break midway through your Zoo adventure. This beautiful, themed event center comes complete with an event garden, built in audio visual amenities, changing rooms, and a catering kitchen. This space will set up to 250 in climate-controlled comfort with a tranquil garden available for ceremonies or additional seating.
