Utah’s Hogle Zoo is bidding farewell to its beloved elephants, Christie and Zuri, as they prepare to join a new and larger herd at another accredited zoo. The decision to move the elephants was made to provide Zuri with the best breeding opportunity and social environment possible.
The news of the elephants’ departure has saddened many visitors who have grown up visiting the zoo and have fond memories of seeing these magnificent creatures up close. Jenni Oman, who has been coming to Hogle Zoo for decades, now brings her 4-year-old daughter, Vivian, to experience the wonder of the zoo. She expressed her love for the zoo and the sadness of seeing the elephants go, but also understood the importance of their well-being.
Zuri, who was born at Hogle Zoo through artificial insemination, has been the focus of breeding efforts at the zoo. Unfortunately, these attempts have not been successful, leading to the decision that joining a larger herd would provide the best chance for her to reproduce and thrive in a multigenerational social environment.
Heather Barnum, the spokesperson for Hogle Zoo, emphasized that the breeding program is not just about reproduction but is part of a comprehensive strategy to protect and conserve endangered species. The zoo follows the Association of Zoos and Aquariums‘ species survival plan, ensuring the animals’ welfare and contributing to the preservation of their species.
Hogle Zoo, a pioneer in animal conservation, received accreditation from the association in 1979. The elephants will be sent to another accredited institution, although the specific zoo and transportation details have not been released to ensure the animals’ safety.
The departure of Christie and Zuri marks the end of an era at Hogle Zoo. Elephants have been an integral part of the zoo’s story since Princess Alice, an Asian elephant, arrived in 1916. The zoo encourages locals and visitors to bid farewell to the elephants in the coming weeks, as their space will be utilized for housing new species or expanding living quarters for other residents of the zoo’s diverse animal population.
While the zoo shares the sadness of the visitors regarding the elephants’ departure, they are grateful for the understanding and support received from the public. The priority remains the well-being of the animals, and the decision to move them was made with their best interests in mind.
As Hogle Zoo continues to evolve, it invites everyone to explore and enjoy the diverse species within its grounds. With nearly 900 other animals to visit, there is always something new and exciting to discover. So, come and say goodbye to the elephants while celebrating the ongoing commitment of Hogle Zoo to animal welfare and conservation efforts.
Keywords: Utah’s Hogle Zoo, elephants, farewell, new herd, accreditation, breeding, social environment, welfare, conservation, multigenerational herds, Association of Zoos and Aquariums, species survival plan, endangered species, Princess Alice, visitors, support, animal population.
