OTHER BLOGS
Want to find out more about our polar bears? Wondering how our pandas YaYa and LeLe are doing? Or how about how our gorillas are starting to get along? You're at the right place.
Of course, with over 3,500 different animals living here, the Memphis Zoo always has something interesting happening. Here's the latest from elsewhere in the zoo:
Wednesday, November 26, 2008
Memphis Zoo Gives Thanks for New African 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.
“We’re 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.” |
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The Memphis Zoo acquired Gina from a private owner. She joins the Zoo’s 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.
Check out a video of Gina and Elephant Manager Andrew Smith in our video page.
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