TORONTO – The elephants at the Toronto Zoo are being moved to a
sanctuary in the United
States. A vote by City Council on Tuesday
night approved the motion to send the elephants to a warmer climate.
Global
News looks at the evolution of the Elephant Exhibit at the Toronto Zoo.
1983
The
Toronto Zoo opens it’s first elephant exhibit.
July 2006
The
elephant, Patsy, is euthanized due to long-term degenerative arthritis.
September
2008
An
elephant at the Toronto Zoo, Tequila, dies. The cause of death was never
released to the public.
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October
2009
According
to minutes from a board meeting at The Toronto Zoo there is a concern among
board members about the condition of the elephant exhibit. Board members are
concerned that if the exhibit is not expanded the Zoo may lose it’s accreditation
under the Association
of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA).
November 2009
Tara, the zoo’s largest elephant dies. In the days following
her death, the non-profit organizations Zoocheck and In Defence of Animals,
called for the remaining elephants to be moved to a sanctuary with more room
for them to roam.
August
2010
The
Toronto Zoo commissions a study on the conditions of the elephant exhibit and
the future of the 37-year old exhibit. The review finds the “exhibit design,
layout and wildlife collection has always been a fundamental planning
initiative undertaken each year by the Zoo’s professional and expert staff.”
April 2011
Former
game show host, Bob Barker, visits Toronto
to urge City Council and the Toronto Zoo to cancel the elephant exhibit and
send the elephants south to a sanctuary. According to Bob Barker the health
problems the elephants face in Toronto are in
part caused by the cold climate and could be alleviated by moving to California.
May 2011
Toronto
Zoo officials vote 5-2 to move Toka, Thika and Iringa to another zoo
October
25, 2011
Toronto
City Council votes 31-4 in favour of the motion to send the Toronto Zoo’s three
aging elephants, Toka, Thinga and Iringa, to a sanctuary in California. The sanctuary has 80 acres for
the elephants to roam as well as a whirlpool to treat arthritis.
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