Bronx Zoo Should the Bronx Zoo keep elephants?

[Nile Hippo Expert]

One point everyone seems to be conveniently ignoring is how many of the zoo's other species would be lost just for elephants. Yes, the Bronx has a massive campus. It also has a pretty well developed campus given the terrain they have to work with. Building a new elephant complex would spell disaster to the rest of the zoo's existing hoofstock programs. These include species that are in much more desperate need of publicity and conservation highlighting than Asian (or African) Elephants. The Wild Asia exhibit is currently home to the following endangered species:

• Bactrian Deer (one of three holders in the country, and to my knowledge one of only two actively breeding)
• Barasingha (one of three/four(?) AZA holders and home to the largest herd)
• Mongolian Wild Horse
• Gaur (one of two AZA holders, actively breeding, and home to a herd nearly 40-strong!)
• Brow-Antlered Deer (one of three holders)
• Indian Rhinoceros
• North Sulawesi Babirusa
• Malayan Tiger (the EAZA program failed and the AZA population desperately needs more breeding/holding space)
• Indian Sambar (the ONLY remaining holder in the US and breeding)
• Indian Hog Deer (the ONLY remaining holder in AZA and breeding)
• Western Tufted Deer
• Turkmenian Markhor

T

I agree, it is far more important to keep these rare, endangered species to breed, rather than keep elephants because they are popular. There are about 100 facilities in the US which keep Asian Elephants, while some of these species mentioned Bronx is the only (or one of very few) holder of the species in the US, so it is a good decision for them to phase-out elephants, though it is very sad.

 

[15399]

The Asian elephant SSP is on the right way and is getting closer to self-sustainable captive population. The moment it will reach such status, it will run into severe space limitations, especially for young bulls or adult bulls not needed for reproduction (anymore) - just like we see in Europe now. A nice place for bachelor herd will be golden.

Bronx is also a very ideal location for an Asian elephant bachelor facility. The only zoo currently with an Asian elephant bachelor herd is Denver, on the other half of the country. Bronx is geographically an ideal location for many of the current breeding facilities- being four hours from Syracuse, four and a half from Smithsonian, and nine from Columbus. There are a lot of facilities where bull transfers with Bronx would be significantly easier than transfers with Denver or another western zoo.

I'm not opposed to Bronx phasing out elephants either- I think there are people who know the zoo's needs better than all of us that will end up making the final call, but I definitely would hope if elephants are in the future bachelors are prioritized over a breeding herd.

One point everyone seems to be conveniently ignoring is how many of the zoo's other species would be lost just for elephants. Yes, the Bronx has a massive campus. It also has a pretty well developed campus given the terrain they have to work with. Building a new elephant complex would spell disaster to the rest of the zoo's existing hoofstock programs. These include species that are in much more desperate need of publicity and conservation highlighting than Asian (or African) Elephants. The Wild Asia exhibit is currently home to the following endangered species:

• Bactrian Deer (one of three holders in the country, and to my knowledge one of only two actively breeding)
• Barasingha (one of three/four(?) AZA holders and home to the largest herd)
• Mongolian Wild Horse
• Gaur (one of two AZA holders, actively breeding, and home to a herd nearly 40-strong!)
• Brow-Antlered Deer (one of three holders)
• Indian Rhinoceros
• North Sulawesi Babirusa
• Malayan Tiger (the EAZA program failed and the AZA population desperately needs more breeding/holding space)
• Indian Sambar (the ONLY remaining holder in the US and breeding)
• Indian Hog Deer (the ONLY remaining holder in AZA and breeding)
• Western Tufted Deer
• Turkmenian Markhor

The exhibit is also home to numerous not-so-endangered species that are also exceedingly rare in AZA zoos, including Blackbuck, Chital, Nilgai, and North Indian Muntjac. How many of these species would need to go in favor of an elephant breeding complex that may likely not ever produce surviving offspring? When you bear in mind that, for most of these species, Bronx phasing them out means total population collapse in the US/AZA, and to me I just don't see why anyone would want this. Not to mention what the cost of elephants would do for the operating budget of the zoo's other departments. The small mammal, bird, and herptile departments would surely suffer simply due to the reallocation of budgets alone.

I genuinely am curious about what the future of Wild Asia monorail will be. The issues with monorails themselves have been discussed at length before, and that isn't what I am getting at here, but instead from a collection perspective. Every generation that goes by, unless Bronx is somehow able to bring in new genetics for their deer herds, the herds of hog deer, sambar, etc., are only going to become more and more inbred- no matter how well-managed these herds are. How many generations will this level of inbreeding and lack of support from other institutions be sustainable?

By all means, I hope that Bronx Zoo is able to maintain these deer species long-term, and while I know there are legal hurdles to this I hope other zoos take more of an interest in Asian deer too. However, I think Bronx Zoo needs to have a contingency plan for Wild Asia in case some of these deer populations inevitably crash. It isn't like there are many other Asian ungulate species that Bronx could simply put in their places, so in the long-term transitioning one of the two mixed-species deer yards into an elephant yard (or even better- an elephant/deer mixed-species yard) may become the most logical solution, unless the zoo wants to move their Pere David's deer herd onto the monorail.

 

[ZCChip]

I feel it is more necessary to hold bachelor herds than older cows because we have two sanctuaries in California and Tennessee to take the older cows (and now they are taking bulls deemed not breedable). Think progressively and conservatively.

 

[StoppableSan]

Bronx Zoo has had a mixed record on whether or not they'd keep elephants after Happy and Patty - on the one hand in 2006, they said they'd end their elephant program once Maxine, Happy and Patty passed, and on the other hand in The Zoo episode highlighting Happy and Patty's care, they said that they'd never keep elephants "this way" again, stating that multigenerational herds were the future of keeping elephants in zoos. I'm a firm believer that the zoo's existing facility, with heavy modifications, would be a veritable bachelor facility for younger bulls (basically Antwerpen/Burgers' vibewise but much more spacious).

That being said, I think they could absolutely reshuffle the species they have (moving the tufted deer in with the red pandas/expanding that exhibit and elephant-proofing the current tufted deer exhibit/Rajasthan Uplands yard, adding infrastructure to allow the deer and elephants to comingle safely, mitigating any concerns of phasing out any species), resulting in a top-tier elephant exhibit within the monorail site. Basically an Asian Giants of the Savanna, with a WCS twist in terms of detailing/rockwork.

Ultimately, it's the zoo's call. I'm optimistic they haven't shut the door on elephants completely, but I ain't holding my breath.

 

[Don Majeski]

Bronx Zoo has had a mixed record on whether or not they'd keep elephants after Happy and Patty - on the one hand in 2006, they said they'd end their elephant program once Maxine, Happy and Patty passed, and on the other hand in The Zoo episode highlighting Happy and Patty's care, they said that they'd never keep elephants "this way" again, stating that multigenerational herds were the future of keeping elephants in zoos. I'm a firm believer that the zoo's existing facility, with heavy modifications, would be a veritable bachelor facility for younger bulls (basically Antwerpen/Burgers' vibewise but much more spacious).

That being said, I think they could absolutely reshuffle the species they have (moving the tufted deer in with the red pandas/expanding that exhibit and elephant-proofing the current tufted deer exhibit/Rajasthan Uplands yard, adding infrastructure to allow the deer and elephants to comingle safely, mitigating any concerns of phasing out any species), resulting in a top-tier elephant exhibit within the monorail site. Basically an Asian Giants of the Savanna, with a WCS twist in terms of detailing/rockwork.

Ultimately, it's the zoo's call. I'm optimistic they haven't shut the door on elephants completely, but I ain't holding my breath.

Well the subject of elephants in NYC has opened up a can of worms - if not pachyderms.
I totally agree that the conditions in which elephants were housed at Prospect Park and Central Park Zoos was abysmal.
When the Bronx opened its “Elephant House” in 1908 it was grandiose but ill conceived by today’s standards - 7 mega vertebrate species housed in an indoor/ outdoor facility that should have accommodated two.
But it was a step forward .
There was a major renovation of the facility in the 1980s - I remember attending the fund raiser hosted by Bob Hope at Carnegie Hall.
This was supposed to be the state of the art facility that would serve the purpose of exhibiting elephants for decades to come .
They also, simultaneously, exhibited elephants in Wild Asia
What happened ?
Too small , under funded , under realized, poorly planned and poorly executed
Whether a , preferable , breeding herd or bachelor herd I believe the Bronx Zoo should as exhibit elephants in perpetuity
I can tell you - along all you fellow zealots of zoos and aquaria on this site - that NOTHING inspires a young person’s love of wildlife more than their first view of a bull elephant .
I remember seeing the Forest elephant at the Bronx.
That - along with the, no longer exhibited , orangutans inspired me.
What would it continue to do for the generation of New York City children?
There was no problem with PPZ , COZ or BZ exhibiting elephants - just the size and quality of the exhibits that housed them.
The RARE animal range - now closed - could house a number of specimens that are now housed in Wild Asia - the Prezwalski horses were previously held there - to expand the elephant facility
Yes it is costly - but the construction cost would be amortized over 100 years - the original “Elephant House” was built in 1908 and still stands - though repurposed and houses the fourth largest - behind African Bush, Forest and “Asian” elephants - White rhinos
It comes down to cost and motivation and public demand - as they demanded elephants when the PPZ and CPZ were rebuilt in the 1930s and the Bronx Zoo in the 1900s
Only house them better and more appropriately
It also comes down to this :Who sets the policy for the zoo?
The directors and the employees or the attendees, members , donors and tax payers who, ultimately pay for everything ?
As a New York City home owning resident , tax paying , member (42 years ) and attendee . I want elephants and am willing to have my tax dollars and fees pay towards it

 

[JVM]

If the Bronx Zoo can't afford to reopen World of Darkness, Rare Animal Range, old Monkey House, and other facilities due to funding cuts a decade plus ago, not to mention inflation and local construction costs, I am sadly skeptical they could even raise the funds to build a new elephant exhibit.

I also share previously stated concerns about losing a dozen plus conservation reliant species to support them.

But it would be nice! I have advocated for elephants in Chicago at a facility with open, unused land, so I understand the desire, the logistics are just so much more difficult.

 

[15399]

I can tell you - along all you fellow zealots of zoos and aquaria on this site - that NOTHING inspires a young person’s love of wildlife more than their first view of a bull elephant .

Really? I'd love to see your sources on that because that is inconsistent with all of the scholarly literature and research on the subject I'm familiar with. In Conservation Psychology, the type of experience you are describing would be called a "profound experience", and creating these experiences is oftentimes a key goal of any progressive zoo's education department. There's a handful of criteria for what constitutes a profound experience, but none of the criteria require these experiences to happen with a particular species.

For me, the two species growing up at my local zoo that had the biggest impact on developing a love of wildlife were Japanese macaques and Victorian crowned pigeons. For other conservationists, the profound experience that shaped them the most growing up could've even been watching a squirrel in their backyard, or digging for earthworms in their garden. Elephants can 100% be inspirational to a young person's love of wildlife- however they are no more inspirational than many of the other incredible species world-wide, especially when those other species are presented in an impressive manner. And to paraphrase a past famous Bronx Zoo director, that experience could be at your zoo's bullfrog exhibit.

What would it continue to do for the generation of New York City children?

Do you not find Congo Gorilla Forest inspiring? Or the New York Aquarium's Ocean Wonders: Sharks? Those are easily two of the most awe-inspiring zoo exhibits I've ever seen, so I'm curious why you think there'd be nothing inspirational if Bronx Zoo didn't have elephants.

 

[PSO]

Personally, Bronx would never be a priority to visit if they discontinued exhibiting elephants (I lost any desire to visit Toronto Zoo after their elephants left).

As someone that did interactions with male elephants and the public, the eye test tells me almost all of the people, young and old, left appreciating and wanting to do more for elephants (are donations to IEF from the public would also help confirm that).

Elephants are a top 5 animal people want to see at zoos (several zoos I worked for and others that did surveys had them in the top 5).

True, any animal can inspire, but elephants (along with big cats, primates and marine mammals) are more app to do so thsn other species

 

[ThylacineAlive]

@ThylacineAlive: I agree with you about Not phasing out the (hoofed)animals you mentioned for a new elephant exhibit. However, I think, this won't be necessary either.
I just checked bronx zoo map and google map. According to them, there is a huge unused space between Tiger Mountain, Jungle World Road, Himalayan Mountain and the road from the Northern Ponds to the Dholes. Unless this is a protected area in any way, it would have space enough for a new elephant exhibit. The second opiton would be to use the area, that former held the przewalski horses (and Pere Davids deers?) between Birds of Prey/Aquatic Bird House, Wildlife Health Center, Southern Boulevard and Fordham Road (maybe plus Cope Lake and Global Conservation Center).

My understanding is there is a lot of off-exhibit housing for birds and big cats in the first space you're describing, though I do believe much of it is undeveloped. I'm not sure the feasibility of developing it, truth be told. I know there are a lot of massive boulders and the zoo is hilly in that section.

The former Rare Animal Range would probably be the more ideal location, though I believe that is, too, used as off-exhibit housing to some extent as well as the trail the zoo hosts their seasonal/temporary exhibits. This is also the area that was discussed for a new Latin America exhibit some years ago now, though I've never heard it mentioned again since the one interview with Breheny.

I genuinely am curious about what the future of Wild Asia monorail will be. The issues with monorails themselves have been discussed at length before, and that isn't what I am getting at here, but instead from a collection perspective. Every generation that goes by, unless Bronx is somehow able to bring in new genetics for their deer herds, the herds of hog deer, sambar, etc., are only going to become more and more inbred- no matter how well-managed these herds are. How many generations will this level of inbreeding and lack of support from other institutions be sustainable?

Going beyond this point, this does bring up another layer of the elephant conversation. I do sometimes wonder what becomes of the monorail as a star attraction without them. We all know elephants do have a good deal of pull with Joe public, and while I don't think Bronx lacking them will hurt their annual attendance, I do wonder how it will impact the monorail's popularity. We all love those rare Asian deer, but most people couldn't care less (sadly) and, increasingly, the monorail drivers seem to not bother pointing them out or learning how to differentiate them. Part of me does believe that the zoo won't ever fully phase-out its elephants if for no other reason than the fact that they're a big reason the monorail can continue to run.

~Thylo

 

[Jurek7]

I would rephrase the question into: do Bronx Zoo and other WCS zoos need to bring new things, surprise and enchant visitors with animal world? Yes. Do they still? Not really. Don's remarks show that loyal supporters of the zoo feel the zoos go from stagnation to decline, and with them goes the interest of the public.

I am not sure whether elephants in particular are needed in Bronx, it might be e.g. polar bears, chimpanzees or some totally unexpected innovative animal exhibit not seen in American zoos before. But the problem of disappointment with the Bronx zoo seems to be a real one.

 

[Wisp O' Mist]

I can tell you - along all you fellow zealots of zoos and aquaria on this site - that NOTHING inspires a young person’s love of wildlife more than their first view of a bull elephant .

My love of wildlife was sparked by a '90's documentary about reintroducing the Przewalski's horse to Mongolia, lol.

 

[PossumRoach]

I can tell you - along all you fellow zealots of zoos and aquaria on this site - that NOTHING inspires a young person’s love of wildlife more than their first view of a bull elephant .

The thing that hooked my heart for animals was a sifaka puppet, a stray dog, and cartoon beavers. Ironically the first time I saw an elephant at a zoo I was disgusted by zoos (edit: to be fair though, this was a zoo in third world conditions, but it doesn’t change the fact that I saw and elephant and I did not get too inspired).

 

[ThylacineAlive]

I would rephrase the question into: do Bronx Zoo and other WCS zoos need to bring new things, surprise and enchant visitors with animal world? Yes. Do they still? Not really. Don's remarks show that loyal supporters of the zoo feel the zoos go from stagnation to decline, and with them goes the interest of the public.

I am not sure whether elephants in particular are needed in Bronx, it might be e.g. polar bears, chimpanzees or some totally unexpected innovative animal exhibit not seen in American zoos before. But the problem of disappointment with the Bronx zoo seems to be a real one.

Saying the Bronx doesn't do that only really tracks if you're only focused on the ABCs like hippos, chimps, Polar Bears, pandas, whatever else. Bronx's collection is likely at its largest now than it has been since the 2009 NYC budget cuts forced the closure of several exhibits. Is a Kagu the same as a chimpanzee? No, but once visitors see one they seem no less surprised and entertained. Same goes for an Indian Gharial. Same goes for the Gaur herd. Same definitely applies to the gibbons. ABCs get visitors through the doors (debatably, there are a ton of smaller zoos in the US without ABCs that still get visitors), but what Bronx does best is enchant their guests with the 'other wonders' of the animals kingdom. I've said this before but one of the most popular species at the zoo (purely by my observations on visitor reactions and crowd sizes) are the Dholes. Do we have any evidence that visitation and public interest in the NYC collections is at a consistent decline? By my memory, it's been over half a decade since people on this forum first started throwing around terms like 'stagnation' and 'past their prime' when discussing these zoos yet, as a long-time member and life-long visitor to this zoo, I can't say I'm seeing the effects of these claims.

I, too, desperately want to see the zoo open a new grand exhibit. I find it immensely disappointing--though understandable--that the temporary exhibit planned for World of Darkness this year never materialized following the flooding of Prospect Park. But personally, I'd rather see the zoo continue to fight against the trend of phase-outs and continue to grow their collection within their means for unusual, rarely seen, and often highly endangered species like Cuora box turtles, Sakishima Grass Lizard, Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat, Maleo, Bactrian Deer, Asian pheasants, birds-of-paradise, Many-Colored Fruit-Dove, and so many more. I don't see much good coming from a new elephant or other ABC exhibit if it results in a less diverse, more standardized zoo. Besides, it's not exactly like there are any surplus Polar Bears or Walruses for the WCS to obtain.

~Thylo

 

[Don Majeski]

My understanding is there is a lot of off-exhibit housing for birds and big cats in the first space you're describing, though I do believe much of it is undeveloped. I'm not sure the feasibility of developing it, truth be told. I know there are a lot of massive boulders and the zoo is hilly in that section.

The former Rare Animal Range would probably be the more ideal location, though I believe that is, too, used as off-exhibit housing to some extent as well as the trail the zoo hosts their seasonal/temporary exhibits. This is also the area that was discussed for a new Latin America exhibit some years ago now, though I've never heard it mentioned again since the one interview with Breheny.



Going beyond this point, this does bring up another layer of the elephant conversation. I do sometimes wonder what becomes of the monorail as a star attraction without them. We all know elephants do have a good deal of pull with Joe public, and while I don't think Bronx lacking them will hurt their annual attendance, I do wonder how it will impact the monorail's popularity. We all love those rare Asian deer, but most people couldn't care less (sadly) and, increasingly, the monorail drivers seem to not bother pointing them out or learning how to differentiate them. Part of me does believe that the zoo won't ever fully phase-out its elephants if for no other reason than the fact that they're a big reason the monorail can continue to run.

~Thylo

I am certain that all of us, on this site, are as thrilled by the fact that the Bronx Zoo exhibits Kagu, Gray’s monitors, Maleos and breeds Elephant shrews but you need the

 

[StoppableSan]

Saying the Bronx doesn't do that only really tracks if you're only focused on the ABCs like hippos, chimps, Polar Bears, pandas, whatever else. Bronx's collection is likely at its largest now than it has been since the 2009 NYC budget cuts forced the closure of several exhibits. Is a Kagu the same as a chimpanzee? No, but once visitors see one they seem no less surprised and entertained. Same goes for an Indian Gharial. Same goes for the Gaur herd. Same definitely applies to the gibbons. ABCs get visitors through the doors (debatably, there are a ton of smaller zoos in the US without ABCs that still get visitors), but what Bronx does best is enchant their guests with the 'other wonders' of the animals kingdom. I've said this before but one of the most popular species at the zoo (purely by my observations on visitor reactions and crowd sizes) are the Dholes. Do we have any evidence that visitation and public interest in the NYC collections is at a consistent decline? By my memory, it's been over half a decade since people on this forum first started throwing around terms like 'stagnation' and 'past their prime' when discussing these zoos yet, as a long-time member and life-long visitor to this zoo, I can't say I'm seeing the effects of these claims.

I, too, desperately want to see the zoo open a new grand exhibit. I find it immensely disappointing--though understandable--that the temporary exhibit planned for World of Darkness this year never materialized following the flooding of Prospect Park. But personally, I'd rather see the zoo continue to fight against the trend of phase-outs and continue to grow their collection within their means for unusual, rarely seen, and often highly endangered species like Cuora box turtles, Sakishima Grass Lizard, Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat, Maleo, Bactrian Deer, Asian pheasants, birds-of-paradise, Many-Colored Fruit-Dove, and so many more. I don't see much good coming from a new elephant or other ABC exhibit if it results in a less diverse, more standardized zoo. Besides, it's not exactly like there are any surplus Polar Bears or Walruses for the WCS to obtain.

~Thylo

I heard a saying in the zoo world a while back - the ABCs pay for the XYZs. I know for sure that there's no shortage of ABCs that Bronx Zoo has, and they're able to get Joe Public to care about animals like the rare species you mentioned by highlighting them amongst heavy hitters. JungleWorld's heavy hitters are the tree kangaroos, tapirs, and gibbons (formerly leopard for now, *manifesting they get clouded leopards*) while also highlighting fascinating critters like their walking sticks, Malayan jungle nymphs, Northern Luzon cloud rats, Northern tree shrews, etc. Similarly, with Congo, you come for the gorillas, and you stay for the red river hogs, okapi, mandrill, African cichlids, West African lungfish, African rock python, long-tailed hornbill, etc. Even with smaller spaces like the Carter Giraffe Building, you come for the giraffes and stay for their dwarf mongoose and aardvarks. Similarly, even with the monorail, you come for the elephants, tigers, and Indian rhinos and stay for the gaur and Asian deer. (It's not like you have a say in the matter anyway, but that's neither here nor there )

I'm not sure how you could distill this into a marketing tactic for the zoo - "come for the heavy hitters, stay for the neat critters?" Either way, it's a good way for the zoo to make the best of both worlds for sure, and it's a good philosophy that Bronx should continue with if they make the decision to invest further in elephants.

 

[Nile Hippo Expert]

I am certain that all of us, on this site, are as thrilled by the fact that the Bronx Zoo exhibits Kagu, Gray’s monitors, Maleos and breeds Elephant shrews but you need the

But you need the what?

 

[Don Majeski]

Ibwoukd

But you need the what

But you need the what?

Apologies, I was interrupted mid sentence by a phone call from a client who had the absurd idea that I should be working for my living rather than texting on Zoo Chat with a bunch fellow zealots .
The what you are -to borrow a phrase of Heini Hediger. the “show animals” (Mega vertebrates , mega carnivores, anthropoid apes ) to reel them in so you CAN preserve critically endangered -if lesser known (Other than to this group) orders , classes and species and sub species.
I do not believe maintaining Elephants shrews and elephants - Bush, Forest or “Asian” is mutually exclusive

 

[Don Majeski]

Saying the Bronx doesn't do that only really tracks if you're only focused on the ABCs like hippos, chimps, Polar Bears, pandas, whatever else. Bronx's collection is likely at its largest now than it has been since the 2009 NYC budget cuts forced the closure of several exhibits. Is a Kagu the same as a chimpanzee? No, but once visitors see one they seem no less surprised and entertained. Same goes for an Indian Gharial. Same goes for the Gaur herd. Same definitely applies to the gibbons. ABCs get visitors through the doors (debatably, there are a ton of smaller zoos in the US without ABCs that still get visitors), but what Bronx does best is enchant their guests with the 'other wonders' of the animals kingdom. I've said this before but one of the most popular species at the zoo (purely by my observations on visitor reactions and crowd sizes) are the Dholes. Do we have any evidence that visitation and public interest in the NYC collections is at a consistent decline? By my memory, it's been over half a decade since people on this forum first started throwing around terms like 'stagnation' and 'past their prime' when discussing these zoos yet, as a long-time member and life-long visitor to this zoo, I can't say I'm seeing the effects of these claims.

I, too, desperately want to see the zoo open a new grand exhibit. I find it immensely disappointing--though understandable--that the temporary exhibit planned for World of Darkness this year never materialized following the flooding of Prospect Park. But personally, I'd rather see the zoo continue to fight against the trend of phase-outs and continue to grow their collection within their means for unusual, rarely seen, and often highly endangered species like Cuora box turtles, Sakishima Grass Lizard, Northern Luzon Giant Cloud Rat, Maleo, Bactrian Deer, Asian pheasants, birds-of-paradise, Many-Colored Fruit-Dove, and so many more. I don't see much good coming from a new elephant or other ABC exhibit if it results in a less diverse, more standardized zoo. Besides, it's not exactly like there are any surplus Polar Bears or Walruses for the WCS to obtain.

~Thylo

I agree . I believe both can be achieved

 

[StoppableSan]

that is because there is no clear answer from the Bronx zoo.

for now there are two cows that can not share the same space without a barrier. That is plenty for Bronx to handle.

Moving this topic here, the only information we have to go off of is Bronx saying around 2006 that Maxine, Patty and Happy would be their last elephants and the 2018 episode of The Zoo, "An Elephant's Trust" where Jim Breheny mentioned that they'd never keep elephants "this way" again with regards to elderly elephants being separated, before talking about how the future of elephants in zoos is multigenerational herds.

Given the rising costs of construction in NYC as well as any feasibility studies which would have to be conducted regarding future elephant facilities/the future of the Wild Asia Monorail as a whole, they're part and parcel with one another. Inherently, the primary factors being general aging infrastructure as well as the unsustainability of certain species on the monorail (a good chunk of the Asian deer species), a lot of it would inherently have to be rethought, and I, among others believe there is a way of balancing a modern elephant complex with a robust collection of Asian hoofstock. The most important facet would be a modern barn, whether Bronx would elect to house a multigenerational group, a bachelor group or both would be their decision should they decide to heavily invest in elephants post Happy/Patty. And I think zoos like Cheyenne Mountain, Leipzig, Zurich and Cologne have hit the nail on the head when it comes to robust winter holding for elephants, with Cheyenne Mountain and Zurich utilizing ETFE domes. (Cheyenne Mountain's "Bob's Blueprints" series on their socials alongside their Giraffe Project page highlight this rationale very nicely, and Bronx is no stranger to using ETFE with Madagascar!)

With the inherent seasonality of the monorail in mind as well as the inherent limited viewing of these animals (plus the WCS being a nonprofit), there goes the "animals being held captive for profit" argument then and there, let alone the massive investments in elephant conservation the WCS has made over decades. Dr. Bill Conway gave an interview regarding how elephants could be feasibly displayed in zoos, and had this to say: "Theoretically you could exhibit elephants satisfactorily in zoos," he elaborated. "I do feel most elephant habitats should use more imagination but I think it can be done well if [the elephants are kept] in adequate numbers and with a good amount of space. Elephants do get sufficient exercise in a number of zoos. There are many, many ways to exhibit elephants and with imagination you could do all sorts of things with elephants."

Currently the Asian elephant population in the US is being consolidated, with calves on the ground being the biggest objective. One former holder has openly stated they want to return to housing elephants (San Antonio), Los Angeles "paused" their elephant program due to a lack of available animals, and Cincinnati/National imported new animals from Europe (Yasmin, Anak, Sanjay and Kabir from Dublin, and Trong Nhi/Nhi Linh from Rotterdam). So any further commitments to housing Asian elephants would inherently need massive investments from the start, in terms of available animals, fundraising, construction and maintenance. Elephants are lifetime investments/complex, mesmerizing and flat-out AMAZING animals, and need to be treated as such/constantly reevaluated.

https://joncoe.net/wp-content/uploa...hant-Facilities-and-Management-Study-2018.pdf

 

[BenFoxster]

Very late to the thread so maybe this has been thought of already, but personally if the monorail is discontinued then I believe the zoo should build and overhead bridge for guests to walk over the exhibits, and I believe they should turn the exhibits in rotational yards, where Asian elephants, asian rhino, gaur, and the deer could all rotate. They could also make a single massive barn that could hold all the animals (in separate stalls of course), and have the hoofstock mix with the gaur and rhinos. If its too much to keep then I would suggest phasing out the Indian Rhinos and having the gaur and elephants rotate; possibly give the deer free access between all the yards to mix with elpehants or gar at their own choosing. Elephants imo are too important and iconic a species for Bronx to lose, I think they're absolutely a worthy investment.