VIDEO: Three ageing elephants from the Toronto Zoo make their way to a sanctuary in California. Rob Malcolm reports.
TORONTO – After numerous delays, the convoy carrying three elephants finally left the Toronto Zoo late Thursday night.
Toka, Thika and Iringa were transported shortly before 10:30 p.m. to the PAWS Wildlife Sanctuary in California.
They were originally supposed to depart yesterday morning but weather and a last-minute inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency pushed back the departure time.
Former game show host Bob Barker is paying for the move.
Toronto city council voted in 2011 to send the elephants to a sanctuary near Sacramento after animal rights advocates voiced concern for their welfare.
The trip is expected to take about 50 hours with a number of handlers and veterinarians travelling with the elephants.
They were escorted to the U.S. border by the Ontario Provincial Police.
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