The opening of Fred and Barbara Erb Discovery Trails was significant not just for staff and guests, but also for the animals moving into new habitats or returning to renovated spaces. Monitoring significant life events, like habitat construction and special events, is critical for ensuring that animals living in zoos are supported throughout major transitions. The new Erb Discovery Trails is home to domestic goats (Capra aegagrus hircus), alpacas (Lama pacos), miniature donkeys (Equus asinus domestic miniature), domestic chickens (Gallus gallus), giant anteaters (Myrmecophaga tridactyla), bush dogs (Speothos venaticus), prairie dogs (Cynomys leucurus) and burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia) — in addition to four elasmobranch species brownbanded bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium punctatum), whitespotted bamboo sharks (Chiloscyllium plagiosum), cownose rays (Rhinoptera bonasus) and southern stingrays (Hypanus americanus) housed in Aaron and Carolynn Frankel Stingray Cove. Throughout Erb Discovery Trails, we are using diverse and innovative methodologies to assess how animals are adjusting to their new spaces, the presence and density of guests, and other anthropogenic stimuli. Our monitoring primarily includes behavioral observations and sound level dataloggers. For the goat herd that resides in the new interactive yard, we have also added a specially designed affective assessment tool and collection of hair for hormonal monitoring through the CZAW Endocrinology Lab. We are particularly interested in investigating how animals like the elasmobranchs and the goats respond to the new opportunities to interact with guests. These data will help us adjust and perfect how we offer these experiences and individualize daily animal care and husbandry.