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Council says yes to elephant companions for Burma
25 May 2011
Auckland Council's Strategy and Finance Committee has voted to approve Auckland Zoo's proposal to acquire two young female Asian elephants.
The vote came after reassurances that the acquisition would come at zero cost to ratepayers and that animal welfare and conservation would remain primary considerations for the Zoo.
The Mayor says the decision is an important step as the new Auckland implements the strategy to become an events capital and a destination rather than a getaway.
"It's also great news for Auckland's children," says Len Brown. "Few of us get the chance to see these wonderful animals in the wild and it's great to be able to experience these wonderful creatures up close in a world class zoo environment."
Strategy and Finance Chair Penny Webster says it's important to note that Aucklanders will be able to benefit from two extra elephants without any negative impact on rates.
"We're pleased that Council has listened to our proposal which confirm the animal welfare conservation and financial safeguards associated with accepting the gift of these elephants," says Regional Facilities Auckland Chairman Sir Don McKinnon.
Auckland Zoo's Director, Jonathan Wilcken says the way is now clear for the Zoo to find a family for Burma.
"The focus for the Zoo now is to find two suitable young elephants from abroad that will be compatible with Burma," Mr Wilcken said.
"The process of bringing them here is likely to be lengthy and could take several months."
"Once the right pair are found, they will have to undergo a quarantine programme in their country of origin. Then, accompanied by a small team of elephant specialists they'll be sent by air to the island of Niue for further medical checks and quarantine procedures before coming to Auckland."
On arrival at Auckland Zoo, the new elephants will be gradually introduced to Burma, allowing her to establish herself as the head of the group.
Mr Wilcken said that leading zoos like Auckland Zoo that have elephants, work together to actively help protect and conserve Asian elephants in the wild.
"Auckland Zoo supports habitat protection in Sumatra's Bukit Tigapuluh National Park where the elephant population has increased from an estimated 40 to 140 elephants."
The two new young elephants are likely to arrive at Auckland Zoo in the second half of next year.
Elephant Acquisition Programme - Fact sheet
Auckland Zoo is delighted that the Auckland Council has approved the Zoo's proposal to bring two young Asian elephants to New Zealand to create a family for Burma, the Zoo's sole elephant since the death of Kashin in 2009.
- Female elephants are highly social creatures and Burma needs to be part of a group. Burma is 28 years old and could live for another 40 years. Her welfare requires that she have companions.
- The focus for the Zoo now is to locate two suitable young elephants from abroad that will be compatible with Burma. The process of bringing them here is likely to be lengthy and could take several months.
- Once the right pair are found they will undergo a quarantine programme in their country of origin and then, with a small team of elephant specialists from Auckland zoo, sent by air to the island of Niue for further medical checks and quarantine procedures before coming to Auckland.
- On arrival at Auckland Zoo the new elephants will be gradually introduced to Burma, allowing her to establish herself as the head of the small group.
- With minor modifications Auckland Zoo's existing facilities are sufficient to house a group of three elephants.
- Asian elephants are an endangered species in the wild. Responsible zoos are committed to ensuring zoo populations of elephants are bred and managed sustainably. In the long term, as part of its international obligations, Auckland Zoo will ensure breeding opportunities for its elephants.
- Leading zoos like Auckland Zoo that hold elephants work together to actively help protect and conserve Asian elephants in the wild. A strong elephant programme allows us to raise and direct funds to continually support 'in the wild' efforts. Auckland Zoo supports habitat protection in Sumatra's Bukit Tigapuluh National Park where we have seen the elephant population thrive and increase from an estimated 40 to 140 elephants.
- Elephants are great conservation ambassadors and Burma's new family will ensure the environmental education message reaches an even wider audience.
- A December 2010 survey by the Auckland Council showed 84% of people in favour of Auckland Zoo having elephants and the arrival of the new pair are expected to attract even more visitors.
- Auckland Zoo attracts 650,000 visitors every year and elephants have been a part of the Zoo for more than 80 years.
- The cost of bringing two elephants to the Zoo is $3.2 million but this sum is quickly recoverable due to an expected 10% upsurge in zoo visitation.
- International elephant management experts who have evaluated the Zoo's elephant programme rank it highly against similar programmes around the world.