Woodland Park Zoo has decided to eliminate its elephant exhibit over the course of next year and will move their two elephants, Bamboo and Chai, to a new Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accredited institution.

Last year the Elephant Task Force conducted a review of the zoo’s elephant program. Jensen said the zoo worked for several months with them to conclude that adding to the herd was not realistic moving forward.

“We remain committed to putting the welfare of our elephants first. After several months of working to implement the recommendations of the Elephant Task Force, we have found that adding to the herd of our two aging elephants is not realistic in the foreseeable future. It is in the best interest of Bamboo and Chai to live in a social, multi-animal herd in a healthy environment,” said Woodland Park Zoo’s President and CEO Dr. Deborah Jensen.

“This can best be accomplished by relocating them to another accredited Association of Zoos & Aquariums facility that is held to exemplary standards of care. Having only one or two elephants at the zoo for the long term would work against the broader social welfare of Chai and Bamboo and we are committed to following the recommendations of elephant health and welfare experts.”

The announcement comes after the death of a 45-year-old African elephant named Watoto. Watoto was euthanized last August after befalling an illness.

“It is a difficult decision to move these animals who have long played an important role as ambassadors for their species in the wild, but we could not have made it without the thoughtful and exhaustive work of the Elephant Task Force, the zoo’s Board of Directors and our staff. We will continue working with our elephant conservation partners in Borneo and Tanzania and the 96 Elephants campaign to help end the ivory trade."

Jensen believes the elephants will be moved sometime in 2015.

“We will ensure Bamboo and Chai will be relocated together to an Association of Zoos & Aquariums facility that shares our commitment to animal health and welfare and conservation through education, and provides viewing access to the animals…They will be a part of our family for the rest of their lives and we will continue to follow their welfare at their new home.”

For more information, please contact: elephants@zoo.org