The Urban Elephant

Yesterday, the Los Angeles Zoo announced that it would be relocating its two Asian elephants, Billy and Tina, to the Tulsa Zoo.  I'm not sure if the news actually surprised me or not.  On one hand, the elephants (especially Billy) had been a lightning rod of controversy for LA for years, when many high profile celebrities targeting the zoo over its elephant program.  On the other hand, unlike many zoos which have gotten out of elephants in recent years, LA actually has a very good exhibit that probably could have continued housing the species for many years - if it was somewhere other than LA.

Besides Los Angeles, the other most beleaguered elephant program in the country is the Bronx Zoo, also home to two Asian elephants, also subject to longstanding criticism from activists, this time largely because their females are managed alone.  While things can certainly change, Bronx has hinted that they may be getting out of elephants after their current two pass.  That would leave America's two largest cities without elephants.  The third largest city - Chicago - is currently also without elephants, though Brookfield Zoo does plan to bring the species back as part of its masterplan.  

It seems like we are witnessing a slow but steady congregation of elephants into the hands of a smaller number of zoos with larger herds, especially in the central US, away from the coasts (with some exceptions).  On one hand, it's important to recognize that elephants have requirements for their wellbeing that not all zoos are going to be able to accommodate, both in terms of the size of the habitat and the number of animals maintained (as well as a climate that allows them to be outside for a large portion of the year).  Tulsa, for example, has just opened a 10 acre habitat which should be among the world's finest.  On the other hand, elephants are such unique, extraordinary, and inspiring animals.  For many visitors, they are a gateway beast to learning to love wildlife.  It makes me sad to think that there are upcoming future generations of visitors who won't have direct access to such magnificent creatures.

Asian elephant Billy, photo from Tulsa Zoo facebook