The Zoo gives thanks for a new elephant!

The Memphis Zoo has another big reason to be thankful this year. This morning, Gina, a 25-year-old African elephant, became the third resident in a growing herd of African elephants at the Memphis Zoo.




Were extremely happy that Gina is at the Memphis Zoo, said curator Matt Thompson. Elephants are social animals, and with Gina and a new calf due next summer, our herd will be thriving.

The Memphis Zoo acquired Gina from a private owner. She joins the Zoos two other African elephant cows - Tyranza, age 44, and Asali, age 23. Asali is currently pregnant, and due in July 2009.

Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) play an essential role in the survival of elephants in the wild. As an AZA member, the Memphis Zoo helps visitors make emotional connections to these magnificent animals, by educating the public, and inspiring behavioral changes that positively impact elephants and other wildlife conservation. The Memphis Zoo provides an opportunity for nearly one million people a year to experience elephants.

Substantial renovations to the elephant exhibit are underway and will be completed in spring 2009. These changes include additional indoor enclosures and expanding their outdoor exhibit area by more than 40 percent. The last renovation made to their exhibit in 2005 included a 130,000-gallon pool.

Category:

Pets & Animals

Tags:

• Memphis Zoo
• elephant
• Gina
• Memphis
• Zoo

[11zoofan]

Give them some money and they will build a "better quality" exhibit you tree hugging hippie PETA moron. People Eating Tasty Animals. Go smoke some weed and hump a tree. Better yet go out to the zoo and let one of the elephants sit on your face and shit down your throat animal fucker.

[Poneutria]

If you guys really give a crap about elephants then why don't you give them a decent habitat? Yours is absolutely pitiful and is a disgrace.

[captmonk1]

Cool thanks for the update. Keep up all the new updates. This is great!

[ZooVisitorMM]

Congratulations! Thanks for sharing the wonderful news.

And thanks for keeping your elephants, too!