The Elephant Discovery Center
The Elephant Sanctuary in Lewis County is the nation’s largest natural habitat preserve (spanning 3,060 acres) developed specifically for the needs of Asian and African elephants and is currently home to 13 elephants. Since The Sanctuary is not accessible to the public, The Elephant Discovery Center in Hohenwald was created to offer the next best thing so people can still enjoy the elephants without disturbing them.
What makes the Elephant Discovery Center in Lewis County so special?
The Discovery Center offers people hands-on, self-guided exhibits and educational programming that explores the many ways elephants shape our world. Visitors are able to enjoy numerous interactive exhibits about these majestic creatures and learn what makes The Sanctuary in Lewis County so significant. Increasing public knowledge through the Discovery Center is key to helping create a world where elephants no longer live under constant threat of poaching, habitat loss, conflict, or capture. Admission to the Elephant Discovery Center is always free, though donations are appreciated.
What to Expect When You Visit:
The Elephant Discovery Center holds so much wonder about the world’s largest land animal that you’ll want to spend a bit of time so you can experience as much as possible. Most guest experiences are geared toward one of four groupings:
- Family: The Elephant Discovery Center welcomes families to explore and learn about the mission and work of The Elephant Sanctuary. The Education Staff is on hand during open hours to answer questions and guide your family through the exhibit space. Maps of the space are also available for a more self-guided experience.
- Education: Teachers can plan a visit with their class and learn about the role elephants play as a keystone species and how The Sanctuary’s staff care for resident elephants. Programs can be customized to fit your needs. One adult chaperone per eight students is required. Field trips must be booked at least four weeks in advance. The Discovery Center welcomes public and private schools, homeschool families, and non-traditional schools to participate in its field trip program. Weekday mornings are our busiest time for school field trips and group visits.
- Groups: Reservations for groups must be made at least four weeks in advance to guarantee staff or docent-led programming, including formal presentations, guided exhibit tours, hands-on activities, etc. Group reservations are not available on Saturdays as that is the busiest time for drop-in visitors and special events. Groups must be eight or more people.
- Drop-ins: Drop-in visitors are always welcome for self-guided exploration of The Elephant Discovery Center during regular operating hours. Afternoons and Saturdays are typically best times for drop-in visitors.
Free parking is available on Main Street, directly in front of The Elephant Discovery Center. There is also a free city lot located on the corner of N. Maple St. and E. Linden Ave, directly behind The Elephant Discovery Center. Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Crowds vary depending on holidays, school vacations, weather, etc.
The Elephant Discovery Center wants the story of The Elephant Sanctuary to be accessible to all, regardless of physical, financial, or cultural barriers. The Elephant Discovery Center is wheelchair friendly, including the restrooms and exhibit areas. Captions are provided on video displays for hearing-impaired guests, and seating areas are provided throughout for those with mobility issues. The Discovery Center is also KultureCity® Certified to enhance its ability to assist and accommodate all by supplying the staff with annual training and offering additional support and resources to those who may face sensory processing needs.
Please feel free to call ahead and plan your trip. For questions, concerns, and suggestions, please contact the Discovery Center’s Education Manager, Laura Roddy, at laura@elephants.com.
