She could be sent to Western Plains Zoo because they have two ex-circus, African elephants living there in some great exhibits.
wouldn't it be cheaper to send here to dubbo, But if they were going to send here to australia they probably would of already talked about it.
No import protocols currently exist to bring Africans into Australia. The circus tour of NZ has concluded and it will now return to Australia. As the elephant cannot come to, it was a good decision all round to give her to the SPCA. Sending her to the States gives the NZ SPCA a good fund raising opportunity and brownie points. It also gives the US "sanctuary" more earning potential. Whether the elephant wants or needs others of it's own kind when it has so completely bonded with one human would not have been the driving force behind this placement.
In the days before PC reared it's ugly head zoos and circuses worked together well for the benefit of the animals in both institutions. In fact, going way back, some of Australia's now major zoos got their start from donations of animals by generous circus owners. And some major zoos, not too long ago, were very happy to unload "problem" animals on to circuses.
video from news programme Campbell Live last night 3 News > Video > Campbell Live > Circus elephant 'Jumbo' to begin new life various comments on the link including this one from someone who seems confused about the distinction between zoos and circuses here is the original Zoochat thread about Jumbo http://www.zoochat.com/17/african-elephant-7575/
I have just watched the latest news report concerning Jumbo and would like to commend the SPCA for coming to her aid, the video clearly shows that she is suffering from acute psychological distress . The reporter mentioned that these elephant can walk 80 km per day in the wild when in search of food , and she as been confined for many years I really hope that Jumbo has a very long and happy retirement , she deserves it . I really do not think that there is any place for any animals in circuses today , and disagree with them using animals, you really would think that mankind would know better now. Good luck dear Jumbo .
