The Dallas Zoo & Jenny the Elephant

The Dallas Zoo is seeking to relocate its 32-year old African elephant, Jenny, to the Africam Safari Park in Puebla, Mexico. (yes, Africam)

According to the NY Times story What to Do With Traumatized Elephant Stirs Up Dallas, there has been a local -- and increasingly national -- uproar over the Dallas Zoo's choice of future home for Jenny the elephant. Jenny is considered somewhat of a "special needs" elephant, as she at one time suffered from serious depression which included anger and self-mutilation.

So, what's all the fuss about?

Since the death earlier this year of the Zoo's other elephant, Jenny has lived alone. Zoo officials hope to relocate Jenny to the newly AZA-accredited Africam Safari Park, which offers a part of a 4.9-acre shared elephant site. (Currently, one acre of the proposed space is occupied by several Asian elephants.) However, Jenny has an opportunity to live out her life at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, in a setting offering her several hundred acres within their 2,700 acre sanctuary.

You would think it would be a no-brainer for The Dallas Zoo, but it is not. The Safari Park offers significantly less roaming space than the Sanctuary (a portion of a 4.9-acre elephant site compared to 300+ acres), and less experienced staff. Additionally, the American Zoo Association (AZA) standards are voluntary amongst its members; the Safari Park accounts to no one. Also, more walking space would help in preventing arthritis, which many zoo elephants are prone to because of the small size of their enclosures.

Perhaps most importantly, the move of Jenny from a zoo to a drive-through theme park both perpetuates and highlights an organizational perspective of very street-level thinking: that animals are easily disposable, that the size of an animal's enclosure is irrelevant to quality of life.

Visit concernedcitizensforjenny.net to find out more about Jenny and how you can help in her quest for a better life.

Comedienne Lily Tomlin has become active in efforts to convince Zoo officials to allow Jenny to live at the Sanctuary....or any sanctuary. Read her blog post Lily Tomlin to the Rescue of a Special Needs Elephant.

To submit an online email to the mayor of Dallas, Tom Leppert, click on this link. Or, email tom.leppert@dallascityhall.com. To reach the Mayor and City Council members, write to: Mayor/City Council, City of Dallas, 1500 Marilla Street, 5th Floor, Dallas, TX 75201-6390

Support The Detroit Zoo!

Please vote YES on August 5 to support the Detroit Zoo!

Pasted in below is the Proposal FAQ from The Detroit Zoo's web site. For more information about The Detroit Zoo, necessary funding, the Proposal, and how you can help, visit The Detroit Zoo's voter education pages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Proposal?
The Detroit Zoological Society is asking Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties to each place a proposal on the ballot that asks voters to approve a tax of up to 0.10 of a mill on all taxable property for a period of 10 years. Funds will go to the Detroit Zoological Society to help support its operation and maintenance of the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo.

Why does the Zoo need the proposal?
The City of Detroit turned over governance and management of the Detroit Zoo and Belle Isle Nature Zoo to the Detroit Zoological Society in 2006. At the time of transition the City ceased its annual subsidy.

How much does it cost to operate the Zoo?
The DZS has an annual operating budget of $24 million dollars to operate the Detroit Zoo and the Belle Isle Nature Zoo in fiscal 2009. The City of Detroit was the source of a direct annual operating subsidy for 77 years. The current budget has one-third coming from earned revenue (admissions, parking, concessions, rides, rentals); one-third from contributed income (donations, memberships, sponsorships, grants) and one-third from a newly proposed public funding source.

How much will the proposal cost me?
A 0.10 of a mill tax will cost the average homeowner of a $200,000 home approximately $10 per year. That’s less than a dollar a month!

Is a ballot proposal necessary?
We continue to increase earned revenues and aggressively raise funds from the private sector (foundations, corporations, individuals), but the DZS needs a long-term sustainable source of public funding in order to continue serving the community.

Why are three different counties being asked to support the zoo?
The Detroit Zoo benefits the entire tri-county Metro Detroit region, and a substantial proportion - 85percent, - of the Zoo’s members and visitors come from the tri-county community. Therefore, it only makes sense for support to come from this entire area – not just one city, county or organization.

Why Should I care about the Zoo?
The Zoo is part of every Metro-Detroit family. You’d be hard pressed to find a family who hasn’t spent time at the Zoo. Throughout the tri-county area schools use the Zoo for field trips and hands-on learning. The animals and programs at the Detroit Zoo have educated, entertained, amused and amazed every generation for generations.

Do other zoos receive public funding?
Yes, more than two-thirds of nationally accredited nonprofit zoos receive public funding. Public funding accounts for 30-40percent of the operating budgets among nonprofit-operated zoos (this figure is even higher among government-operated institutions).

Will county residents get any special discounts if the proposal passes?
Yes. The Zoo and county zoological authorities in Macomb, Oakland and Wayne County will mutually determine what benefits its residents will receive should the ballot proposal pass. Benefits could include education discounts, free admission on select days, or any number of yet-to-be-determined discounts.

What happens if the tax doesn’t pass?
We believe the community understands the value of this regional gem and will support this measure to secure the Zoo’s future.

Detroit Zoo Dog & Pet Adoption 2008

Meet Your Best Friend at The Detroit Zoo this next weekend, May 3 & 4, 2008.

From the Zoo website:

Join the Detroit Zoo and the Michigan Humane Society on May 3 and 4, 2008 for Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo. Now in its 16th year, Meet Your Best Friend at the Zoo is the largest off-site adoption event in the country. Held in the Zoo's small parking lot, underneath the landmark water tower, hundreds of dogs, cats, puppies, kittens and rabbits will be available for adoption. Parking and admission for the event is free and does not include regular Zoo admission.

Over 20 adoption/rescue groups, including the Detroit City Animal Shelter will have rabbits as well as dogs, cats, pups and kittens up for adoption at the two day event, 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Please remember that adoption fees and policies vary by adoption/rescue group; do not bring your other pets to the zoo.


List of participating Michigan pet adoption & rescue groups:

1. Adopt-A-Pet
2. Alliance for Spay-Neuter and Pet Rescue
3. Animal Rescue Connection
4. Animal Welfare Society
5. AuSable Valley Animal Shelter
   
6. Backdoor Friends Purebred Cat Rescue
7. Battle Creek Animal Shelter
8. Detroit Animal Control
9. Faerie Tales Cat/Maine Coon Rescues
10. Feline Friends
11. Greater Hillsdale Humane Society
12. Home Fur Ever
13. Homeward Bound Rescue
14. K-9 Stray Rescue
15. Last Chance for Animals
16. Metro Area Animal Adoption Association
17. Michigan Greyhound Connection
18. Michigan Humane Society
19. Mid-Michigan Cat Rescue
20. Mid-MI Small Breed Rescue
21. Oakland County Animal Care Center
22. Precious Animal Welfare Society
23. ReGAP (Retired Greyhounds as Pets)
24. Roofs for Woofs
25. Roscommon County Animal Shelter
26. Sanilac County Humane Society
27. Tigerlily Cat Rescue
28. WAG Animal Rescue

Be sure to check out these and other adoption/rescue groups links in the blog sidebar.

Winky the Elephant Dies at Age 56

Winky the elephant has died at the age of 56.

Some of you might remember Winky and partner Wanda, Asian elephants formerly of the Detroit Zoo; they were relocated to the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) animal sanctuary in California. Both Winky and Wanda suffered from severe arthritis and were relocated to the sanctuary to live out their lives in relative peace and freedom and some measure of comfort.

The following is courtesy of the PAWS web site. Please visit the site to learn more about their sanctuaries, educational programs, ways to help, and of course the wonderful animals that reside there.

PAWS Bids Loving Farewell to Beloved Elephant

April 7, 2008

(San Andreas, CA) In the early morning hours of April 7th, Winky, one of PAWS’ cherished Asian elephants, passed away peacefully. Born in 1952, Winky was one of the oldest elephants in the United States.

Arriving to her retirement at PAWS’ ARK2000 sanctuary three years ago - almost to the day - April 8, 2005 – Winky made the long trip from Detroit to California with her long-time companion, Wanda. They had resided at the Detroit Zoo for approximately 17 years, until decision was made to close their elephant exhibit. Prior to her stay in Detroit, Winky had lived at the Sacramento Zoo.

Last week, Ruby, who also has a history of colic episodes, showed signs of distress and we immediately began a course of treatment which included keeping her in the small yard to monitor her stool and food and water intake. Since Maggie occupies the small yard until she goes out into the habitat with the others, Ruby and Maggie shared the smaller habitat.

While Wanda quickly took to roaming the grassy hillside habitat of ARK2000, Winky choose to spend her days basking in the sunshine, staying closer to her barn. “Perhaps it was because of all of the attention she received, or all of the treats she was given, at any rate, she wanted to stay close to home.” Pat Derby, PAWS’ founder, fondly recalls.

Winky had long suffered from joint problems. Her veterinarian from the Detroit Zoo was out to see her this weekend. According to her night keeper, at 3am she gently slid to her hind quarters and could not get up. The keeper immediately notified all elephant keepers and PAWS’ Directors, Pat Derby and Ed Stewart.

Urgent attempts were made to lift her, but she could not stand and support her back legs. She had three veterinarians in attendance while she was euthanized. Her companion, Wanda, choose to stay with her for some time. A necropsy is scheduled at UC Davis.

“Winky was a wonderful girl. She was a sweet favorite of all of those who cared-for her. She had a happy spring day yesterday – getting lots and lots of attention, and of course, lots of her special treats. We will all miss her terribly.” Derby added.

San Francisco Zoo Tiger Attack Update

According to news reports, all 3 victims of the Christmas day tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo had indeed taunted and purposely distracted the tiger, Tatiana.

One of the surviving victims admitted to the three men standing on a 3-foot high railing, yelling and waving at the tiger; a matching foot/shoe print of one of the men was found on the railing. Medical tests, confirmed by the victims, also show that all 3 men were drunk (one of them twice the legal limit; they'd been drinking vodka) and had been smoking marijuana. Vodka and marijuana were both found in the car of one of the victims.

For a local view of recent developments, read the San Francisco Chronicle story Mauling survivor said he yelled at tiger.

For more detailed news information, read Police: Tiger attack victim was drinking, admitted taunting at the CNN web site.

The San Francisco Zoo also has pertinent information on their web site's front page, including correspondence sent to Zoo members, a news release, a "safety enhancement update," and a photo of the tiger Tatiana. (Scroll to bottom of of main page.)

detroit dog's thoughts:

1. Though the wall at the SF Zoo tiger enclosure is about 4 feet lower than recommended, the Zoo is not at fault for the tiger's escape: the recommended height is not a requirement for accreditation and the Zoo wall was built almost 80 years ago. Instead zoo accreditation requirements should be revised by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. (Perhaps the AZA should be sued.)
   
2. Such excessively stupid behavior by the 3 young men should not be rewarded (it's being said that survivors of the tiger attack, and the parents of the deceased victim, are filing suit). I say reimburse for the medical expenses only.

To read more about this subject, click on the label Zoo in this blog's sidebar.

San Francisco Zoo Tiger Attack Criticism

See post of 1/18/2008 for updated info.

Just read a story at The New York Times, titled Tiger Attack Puts Focus on Zoo Director (January 8). I'll try to link to the story here, but you might need to log in at the site before reading the story.

The story notes that SF Zoo Director Manuel Mollinedo is being greatly criticized for his suggestion that perhaps the mauling victims had been taunting the tiger that attacked them. It's said that the survivors' lawyer might file defamation charges against Mollinedo and/or the SF Zoo.

We know neither why nor how the tiger escaped its enclosure -- and no other tiger has ever escaped in the Zoo's history. Therefore, I believe it is not unreasonable to wonder if the reason might be that the animal was taunted. Do we know that it wasn't? Of course, no one - including the Zoo Director - has said that the men injured in the attack were guilty of taunting the animal.

As officials and the general public struggle to understand the cause of this situation and how to prevent further such incidences, it is at the least selfish and gratuitous to threaten a defamation lawsuit.

SF Zoo Tiger Attack Follow Up

See post of 1/18/2008 for updated info.

Click on this link for a NY Times updated story about the Christmas day tiger attack at the San Francisco Zoo.

Current news reports print that the San Francisco Zoo's Lion House, which is the habitat for its tigers, includes a 33-foot moat and a 12-1/2 foot surrounding wall.

Does this Zoo director have absolutely no idea about the logistics of his own zoo? At a press conference yesterday, he stated that the moat was 20-feet and the wall 18-feet. (I watched the press conference on CNN.)

The American Zoo Association, an accreditation organization for zoos, apparently have never noted the discrepancy between the wall height at the SF Zoo Lion House and their accreditation requirements. Unbelievable.

For information about the SF Zoo tiger attack, and information about the physical capabilities of (Siberian) tigers, please see the post immediately preceding this one.

San Francisco Zoo Tiger Attack

See post of 1/18/2008 for updated info.

By now you've heard of the Christmas Day incident at the San Francisco Zoo, in which one visitor was killed and two others severely injured by a 300 lb. Siberian tiger that escaped from its enclosure - The Lion House. The tiger, Tatiana, was shot dead by police on the scene. The 125-acre zoo closes at 6 p.m., though the public is not allowed entrance after 5 p.m.; this attack occurred just after 5:00 p.m. as visitors were still wandering and exiting the premises.

Note: It has not yet been determined if Tatiana escaped due to a specific and timely human error, though it has been determined that the animal did not escape through a door or unlocked cage. Other SF Zoo tigers did not leave their habitat. Therefore The Lion House temporarily has been labeled a crime scene.

Click on this link for an excellent story at The Washington Post, which reports about this particular SF Zoo incident, relays an interview with celebrity wildlife expert and former Columbus Zoo director Jack Hanna, and details specifics about the Smithsonian's National Zoo in D.C. and their security measures for both animals and zoo visitors. To read an updated article at CNN, click on this link.

It should be noted that this same tiger, Tatiana, was involved in an "attack" on a zoo keeper last year during a public feeding. That incident was found to have been the fault of the SF Zoo: the tiger was able to reach through the bars and was being hand-fed, as well as a lack of special training for appropriate zoo employees. Since tigers are wild animals - not domestic - it was simply behaving normally by being both protective and possessive of its food. Mesh wiring has since been added to the lower bars as has a feed chute for the lions and tigers, and employees have received proper training.

A few things to keep in mind about tigers: Siberian tigers, such as Tatiana, are an endangered species; head and body length averages 7 feet (not including the tail!), though females are smaller. Wild tigers have been known to bound 30+ feet and jump over 15 feet high, and are considered among the best feline swimmers.

The Lion House habitat at the SF Zoo has a 20-foot moat and an 18-ft. exterior wall, according to a press conference statement today by the Zoo's director.

It seems to detroit dog very possible that Tatiana could very well have been an athletically gifted - or at least well conditioned - cat. Most importantly, the SF Zoo should take a quick reality check and re-examine its facilities, and not underestimate the physical and intellectual capacities of its animals.

This SF Zoo incident highlights a good number of issues regarding animal welfare and zoo environments, and of course the consequential effects on human life. These issues will be addressed in a separate post.

In the meantime, if you'd like to read a listing of other zoo/sanctuary animal encounters with visiting humans, click on this link at CNN for the story Other zoo animals have attacked, escaped in recent years.
To learn more about tigers of all types, click on this Wikipedia link.

Follow up, 12/27/2007: It is suspected that the tiger's victims might have taunted her, motivating her to escape The Lion House and attack. However, it seems that if there was indeed taunting, it was extreme; reports are that a shoe and blood were found in the enclosure and a human footprint found on the enclosure's fence. Did one of the victim's climb the interior fence to taunt the animal? If in fact the tigers were taunted, it just points to the continuing and incredulous stupidity of people - to say nothing of their cruelty - in dealing with wild animals (captive or not).

To taunt a wild animal is to dare it to kill you; you lose the bet.

Rumors are that the family of the deceased victim will sue; if so, then it disgusts me that profits can be made as a consequence of one's ugly and uncalled for behavior, which gets both human and animal life killed.

To read a follow up article at CNN, click on this link.