FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (June 25, 2008)
Dallas Zoo Announces Plans for Jenny the Elephant
Beloved Elephant to Move to Africam Safari Park in Mexico
Jenny, the Dallas Zoo’s African elephant, will move to a new home this fall. The Zoo announced today that Jenny will move to Africam Safari Park, a 617-acre forested wildlife park with a superior elephant program. Africam Safari Park, like the Dallas Zoo, is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and is located 80-miles southeast of Mexico City, in the State of Puebla. The Zoo has been working in partnership with the AZA to find an accredited facility for Jenny, following the death of her companion elephant Keke in early May.
“We are confident that Africam Safari Park and its exemplary elephant program will be a great move for Jenny," said Gregg Hudson, executive director of the Dallas Zoo and The Dallas Aquarium at Fair Park. "It was important to work with AZA-accredited institutions to find the proper home for our elephant.
Elephants are leading ambassadors for wildlife education and conservation, two
core values in all AZA-accredited institutions. We are pleased that Jenny will continue to offer visitors a special appreciation of the natural world, just as she did at the Dallas Zoo.”
Africam Safari Park has held elephants since 1973 and currently houses a breeding male and two female elephants. Jenny will live with her new companions in the 4.9-acre elephant exhibit and her health will be monitored regularly by a full-time staff of six veterinarians that care for the animal collection. Africam Safari Park’s elephant exhibit exceeds the AZA Standards for Elephant Management and Care, which were developed to provide the highest quality care for these magnificent animals.
“We are happy to report Jenny is doing great,” said Chuck Siegel, deputy director for animal management. “She’s eating well and back on her regular enrichment and training programs, just as we had hoped she would following the loss of Keke.”
The Dallas Zoo will be acquiring new giraffe over the next several months. The Zoo’s current elephant exhibit will be converted into a much larger giraffe habitat with interactive opportunities for the public. The expanded exhibit is set to open in spring of 2009.
About the Dallas Zoo
The Dallas Zoo is the largest zoological experience in Texas, with a 95-acre park, animals, and an education department that offers fascinating, fun programs for all ages. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums. The Dallas Zoo is located at 650 S. R.L. Thornton Freeway (I-35 at Marsalis). The Zoo is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.DallasZoo.com or call (214) 670-5656.
About Africam Safari
Africam Safari is a drive through, safari style zoological park, located 80 miles southeast of Mexico City, in the State of Puebla. It is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums and specializes in the conservation of large African and Asian herbivores and Mexican birds. The grounds cover an area of 617 acres, in an oak forest-grassland. It houses over 2500 animals, of more than 300 species. For more information please visit www.africamsafari.com.mx.
About Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)
AZA is the accrediting organization for 218 zoos and aquariums in North America. In this role, it enforces mandatory standards for animal care and welfare; professional staff training; safety for animals, staff, and visitors; conservation science and educational programs; veterinary programs; financial stability; risk management; and visitor services. For more information please visit www.aza.org.
Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Letter of Recommendation:
View PDF of AZA letter
Questions about Jenny the elephant and her new home?
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