Oakland Zoo prepares for the departure of African elephant
Submitted by Isabella Linares
Photo credit: Oakland Zoo
Oakland Zoo announced on July 9 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, 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.
Upon his arrival in Tennessee in the Fall, Osh 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, a male African elephant 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 with 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 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. This endeavor may take at least 18 months.
The Zoo has maintained an elephant program for 75 years, which has evolved into the 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 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. The Zoo wanted to honor the bonds people have formed with Osh by announcing his move early and providing ample time for people to say goodbye 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 we*@oa********.org.
The Zoo is accepting donations for its elephant campaign at www.oaklandzoo.org/elephantfund. For more updates on Osh as he prepares to leave, visit www.oaklandzoo.org/elephants.
Oakland Zoo
9777 Golf Links Rd., Oakland
(510) 632-9525
www.oaklandzoo.org
