Why did elephants leave Detroit Zoo?

It wasn't natural for Winky and Wanda to endure the frigid Michigan winters at the zoo. Despite the zoo's best efforts, both elephants suffered from arthritis. They needed freedom. In 2005, after over a decade of living at the zoo, The Detroit Zoo let Winky and Wanda go.



People Also Ask

Broadly, some elephant experts say urban zoos simply don't have the space that African elephants, who roam extensive distances in the wild to forage for hundreds of pounds of vegetation each day, need for a normal life.

MORE DETAILS

In 2006, the Bronx Zoo announced no further elephants would be acquired, a measure taken by other zoos after calls from the public and animal experts stated that elephants do not belong in captivity thus affecting their natural behaviors as social creatures.

MORE DETAILS

The zoo lost its status in 2012 after Toronto City Hall decided to move three African elephants to a Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary in California against the recommendation of the zoo staff and management who wanted the animals to go to an accredited facility.

MORE DETAILS

Say goodbye to Nashville's elephants, at least temporarily. The Nashville Zoo is relocating three elephants in order to renovate and build a new facility for its African expansion. We place the highest priority on the well-being of each animal in our care, zoo president Rick Schwartz said in a media release.

MORE DETAILS

Elephants at zoos enjoy interacting with visitors, according to a new study. Research by Harper Adams and Nottingham Trent universities found that the animals' positive behaviours such as social activity increased around visitors, while indicators of boredom decreased.

MORE DETAILS

You can have a unique experience with an elephant at 72 AZA-accredited zoos. Visit any of these AZA-accredited zoos today to learn more about elephants, how the zoo is contributing to conservation and what you can do to help.

MORE DETAILS

Elephants suffer in captivity. Elephants in the wild have one of the largest home ranges, often walking up to 40 miles each day. In captivity, whether it's a circus, zoo, or other commercial venue, captivity can not nearly replicate their natural environment.

MORE DETAILS

The Detroit Zoological Society (DZS) is committed to the humane treatment of all animals. Over the years, the DZS has provided sanctuary to hundreds of rescued animals including exotic animals that were once pets, in circuses, guarding “crack” houses, from the horse racing industry and suffering injury.

MORE DETAILS

A baby wallaby, known as a “joey,” was found to be missing from the Australian Outback Adventure habitat at the Detroit Zoo on the morning of Sunday, May 8.

MORE DETAILS

The San Francisco Zoo, for instance, made the decision in 2005 not to continue housing elephants after the last of its elephants passed away. The only remaining elephant, then, in the local area, will be the Oakland Zoo's sole male elephant Osh.

MORE DETAILS

Our two Asian elephants Jothi (age 36) and Surapa (age 35) will be moving to the Audubon Zoo in New Orleans, La this Fall. The Buffalo Zoo made the decision because we have a responsibility to make sure all of our animals receive the best quality of care, especially as they age.

MORE DETAILS

Officials made the decision to “humanely” euthanize the 37-year-old elephant. There were no signs that Penny was ailing, according to zoo officials. That was not the case in December of 2016, when another of the zoo's elephants that was suffering from medical issues was euthanized, The State reported.

MORE DETAILS