CALGARY – Zoo officials say their beloved elephant Spike has arrived safely at his new home in Florida.
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.
The 31-year-old has now completed his trip to Busch Gardens, an African-themed animal park in sunny Tampa Bay.
Spike will be in quarantine for 30 days before being introduced to five female elephants which also reside at the park.
He 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.
The zoo’s three remaining elephants, all female, will be moved to the Smithsonian’s National Zoo in Washington D.C., next spring.
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