After 20 years at the Zoo, Osh is moving to his new forever home
at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in the Fall, allowing him to reunite
with other African elephants.
OAKLAND,
Calif., July 11, 2024 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ --
Oakland Zoo announced today that Osh (male, 30), the only remaining
African elephant living at the Zoo, will be moving later this Fall
to his new home at The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (The Sanctuary), an Association of
Zoos and Aquariums (AZA)—accredited facility. Donna, the last
female African elephant who lived at the Zoo, moved to the same
location last September.
The decision to move Osh to the Sanctuary was made after careful
consideration and consultation with the AZA's African Elephant
Taxon Advisory Group (TAG). After more than a year of discussions,
it was agreed that while difficult and heartbreaking, this was the
best decision for his wellbeing. As an AZA-accredited facility that
ensures the same gold standard of care, the availability of other
possible social companions, and the decades-long relationship with
Oakland Zoo, the Sanctuary provides the most suitable home for Osh
for the rest of his life.
"Although it's difficult to say farewell to Osh, we're filled with
joy knowing he's found a new home at The Sanctuary. He will have
the opportunity to socialize and develop relationships with many
other elephants over his lifetime. Something that we could not
offer him here. Those of us who know and love him, including our
Oakland Zoo community, will miss him terribly," says Colleen Kinzley, VP of Animal Care, Conservation
and Research.
For the past year, the Zoo has worked with AZA on a nationwide
search, yet no compatible African elephants in protected care were
available now or anytime soon to join Osh at Oakland Zoo. One of
the many reasons the Zoo has chosen The Elephant Sanctuary in
Tennessee for Osh and Donna is
their ability to provide extensive social opportunities.
Oakland Zoo's 'elephant program of the
future' requires much more than our habitat and facilities can
provide today for this species to thrive in human care. Our
commitment to supporting the success of elephants remains
unwavering, although our participation in their success may need to
evolve
Upon his arrival in Tennessee
in the Fall, he will immediately be able to communicate with and
smell other elephants. Elephants often communicate using
low-frequency vocalizations over many miles. Two new
3,000-square-foot bull barns are under construction for Artie, an
African elephant male aged 41, and Osh at The Elephant Sanctuary.
Osh will have the opportunity to get to know Artie across fence
lines. After settling into the new barns and habitats, and with the
care staff at The Sanctuary, Osh will also have the opportunity for
introductions to African female elephants. We are hopeful that Osh
and Donna will have the opportunity to reunite.
Moving Osh, who weighs 15,000 pounds and stands 11 feet 2 inches
tall, requires significant time and preparation to ensure his
comfort during the transition. He will be transported in a
specially designed, air-conditioned trailer, providing enough space
for the 40-hour journey to Tennessee. In the upcoming months, the Animal
Care team at Oakland Zoo will hold voluntary training sessions to
prepare Osh for the journey. Members of The Sanctuary's animal care
and veterinary staff will also visit Oakland Zoo to connect with
his current staff and begin building their relationships with Osh.
The Zoo will also launch a half-million-dollar campaign to support
this transition and its commitment to conservation for one
year.
With Osh's departure, the Zoo can explore different options for
Osh's current habitat, including bringing in a new species to take
residence. The Zoo must invest significantly in renovating the
35-year-old habitat (including the barn and behind-the-scenes
areas) and evaluate the long-term wellbeing of whichever species it
commits to. Envisioning a new, state-of-the-art facility will allow
the Zoo to provide the highest level of care to any species it
chooses to commit to. This endeavor may take at least 18 months to
complete.
The Zoo has maintained an elephant program for 75 years, which
has evolved into the innovative and industry-leading program it is
today. With a 35-year commitment to elephant conservation in the
wild and advocating for elephant welfare under human care, the Zoo
sees this move as a pivotal moment to reaffirm its commitment to
elephants.
"Oakland Zoo's 'elephant program of the future' requires much
more than our habitat and facilities can provide today for this
species to thrive in human care. Our commitment to supporting the
success of elephants remains unwavering, although our participation
in their success may need to evolve," says Nik Dehejia, CEO of Oakland Zoo.
The Zoo will continue to support its elephant partners who
combat poaching, collaborate with communities to launch initiatives
that stop the illegal wildlife trade and promote coexistence with
this iconic endangered species.
Osh has lived at the Oakland Zoo for 20 years. During this time,
many guests and followers of the Zoo have made memories with him.
Throughout different stages of life, from field trips to family
vacations and engagements, Osh and other African elephants have
called the Zoo home and have been a part of Zoo community members'
lives, creating strong bonds with the elephants at Oakland Zoo. The
Zoo wanted to honor the bonds people have formed with Osh by
announcing his move early. This early announcement of his departure
provides ample time for those who wish to say goodbye before he
moves to Tennessee. Guests are
encouraged to visit Osh before he leaves this Fall.
The Zoo urges guests and followers to submit their Oakland Zoo
Elephant Memories by emailing photos and videos of the elephants
throughout the years to web@oaklandzoo.org.
The Zoo is accepting donations for its elephant campaign at
http://www.oaklandzoo.org/elephantfund .
Follow the Zoo on Facebook, Instagram, X, and check out their
website, [http://www.oaklandzoo.org/elephants, for more information
on specific events highlighting opportunities to visit Osh and
updates as he prepares for his journey to Tennessee.
Contact:
Isabella Linares
Oakland Zoo
ilinares@oaklandzoo.org
ABOUT OAKLAND ZOO AND THE
CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF CALIFORNIA:
Oakland Zoo, home to more than 850 native and exotic animals, is
managed by the Conservation Society of California (CSC); a non-profit organization
leading an informed and inspired community in Taking Action for
Wildlife locally and globally. With over 25 conservation partners
and projects worldwide, the CSC is committed to conservation-based
education and saving species and their habitats in the wild.
Oakland Zoo is dedicated to the humane treatment of animals. It is
accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the
national organization that sets the highest standards for animal
welfare for zoos and aquariums.
ABOUT THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN TENNESSEE:
Located on 3,060 acres in Hohenwald,
Tennessee, The Elephant Sanctuary is the nation's largest
natural-habitat refuge developed specifically for Asian and African
elephants. Founded in 1995, The Sanctuary has provided 33 elephants
with individualized care, the companionship of a herd, and the
opportunity to live out their lives in a safe haven dedicated to
their well-being. The Sanctuary is licensed by the U.S. Department
of Agriculture and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency and has
been dually recognized through accreditation by the Association of
Zoos and Aquariums and the Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries.
The Elephant Sanctuary is currently home to 12 elephant
residents.
To learn more about The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, please visit our website at
http://www.elephants.com. We welcome you to stay engaged and
observe the elephants via our live-streaming EleCams at
http://www.elephants.com/elecam, and connect with us via social
media.
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SOURCE Oakland Zoo