New Elephant

Samantha, who is only 19 years old, will be joining the Zoo's growing herd, which may include two males and five female elephants by the end of 2007. Although staff is still working out the final plans for her transfer, Samantha should make her move via climate-controlled truck this summer. She will become a long-term resident of the Zoo as she settles in here on a breeding loan.

The N.C. Zoo is in the process of completely renovating its elephant exhibit and holding facilities. A new $2.5 million, 12,000-square-foot elephant barn is nearly completed, and the Zoo has doubled the size of the elephants' outdoor, natural exhibit area to seven acres. These modifications demonstrate the Zoo’s commitment to managing an elephant breeding program that exceeds the new standards of elephant care recommended by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums.

The renovations to the elephant facilities are part of an $8.5 million project, dubbed “The Watani Grasslands Reserve,” that is expanding both the elephant and rhinoceros exhibits and barns. Launched in November 2006, a capital campaign to fund the renovations has raised more than $7 million through private contributions to the N.C. Zoological Society, the private, non-profit organization that raises money for the Zoo. Grand opening ceremonies for the Watani Grasslands are slated for spring 2008.

“Samantha is of prime breeding age and is in excellent health, so we are pleased to have found an accredited facility that has an approved breeding program,” said Dean Treichel, animal care supervisor at the Valley Zoo in Edmondton, Canada. “ This breeding loan meets the goal of maintaining the genetic health of endangered species through managed programs.”

“We know that the Valley Zoo conducted a very thorough and exhaustive search for a proper home for Samantha,” said Guy Lichty, N.C. Zoo curator of mammals in charge of the elephant section. “We are delighted that that staff there chose the North Carolina Zoo. By doing so, they have recognized the quality of our staff, facilities and programs, and have afforded Samantha an excellent opportunity to become part of the North American elephant breeding population.”

Both the North Carolina Zoo and the Valley Zoo are actively involved in conservation and breeding programs for a number of species. Decisions regarding the care of animals, facility development and participation in breeding programs are carefully considered and made in consultation with experts in the field. Additional information regarding the Valley Zoo’s elephants, including Samantha’s move, can be found at
edmonton.ca/valleyzoo.