CALGARY – Zoo officials have announced the new home for one of their beloved elephants.
Ganesh – or Spike as he is best known – will be making his way to sunny Tampa Bay, Florida.
The 31-year-old will travel to Busch Gardens, an African-themed animal park.
The Calgary Zoo announced plans to relocate their endangered Asian elephants in 2012, saying it’s based on the importance of keeping the animals in a heard.
“We will miss him,” says Dr. Clément Lanthier, President and CEO of the Calgary Zoo. “He has been an important part of our zoo family for more than 20 years.”
Spike came to the Calgary Zoo in late 1992, on loan from the Miami Zoo after a hurricane damaged their facilities.
His move to Busch Gardens has been sanctioned by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums’ (AZA) Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan (SSP).
Busch Gardens was chosen for several reasons, including their work with and conservation efforts for Asian elephants.
His departure from the Calgary Zoo will happen later this year.
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