African Elephant

[Steve Robinson]

Also the Sanctuary they have were originally talking about sending her to only keep cows and use primarily FC. Unless those plans have changed.

I was also going to comment on the fact that it seemed to be a fairly fancy barn for something that's only going to be used for 12 months.

So can you see through the self serving, money begging BS?

 

[Steve Robinson]

Also the Sanctuary they have were originally talking about sending her to only keep cows and use primarily FC.

This IS a cow that has been handled FC all her life from her very early days at Honolulu Zoo.

 

[Jarkari]

I'm having trouble replying on my computer. I said the sanctuaries only keep cows so that they can handle all of their elephants in fc. The article said they were trying to get her used to pc because that's how the sanctuaries do it. This makes no sense to me.

 

[Steve Robinson]

I'm having trouble replying on my computer. I said the sanctuaries only keep cows so that they can handle all of their elephants in fc. The article said they were trying to get her used to pc because that's how the sanctuaries do it. This makes no sense to me.

Mate - you are making no sense to me.

Your reply came through loud and clear.

Looking forward to your other reply.

 

[ZYBen]

I'm having trouble replying on my computer. I said the sanctuaries only keep cows so that they can handle all of their elephants in fc. The article said they were trying to get her used to pc because that's how the sanctuaries do it. This makes no sense to me.

So do they keep in PC or FC!

 

[torie]

i think that what jarret is trying to say is that as well as the article making false claims about the zoo intending on sending her away whilst still pouring lots of money into a barn and a paddock that implies that she is infact not going any where for a very long time they are also trying to justify their decision to switch the managment of this animal from FC (which is what she would have had in the circus) to their chosen method of PC under the guise that it will make her life in a sanctuary that she probably will wont get to easier for her.

basically the hidden message in the article is that she isnt going any where and they are changing their management strategies

 

[Jarkari]

Steve - I had written a more detailed reply on my computer which did not post. The last reply was less detailed and on my phone. I am agreeing with You and Torie Steve.

Ben - Franklin Zoo Keeps in Protected contact. The sanctuaries they have discussed sending her to keep in Free Contat. I'm not sure what there is to not understand here.

 

[Jarkari]

Exactly what I was trying to say but slightly less eloquently. I apologise if it didn't make sense but I have done 90 hours since friday. I have worked 64 out of the last 72 hours. My brain is mush.

 

[Steve Robinson]

My brain is mush.

Hmmmm! Perhaps you should have refrained from posting mush?

The fact remains that this is a very well adjusted animal that has adapted to it's new home as you would expect any well adjusted circus animal to do.

I am outraged that previously unemployable zoo "experts" are bludgeing a living from this elephant.

I have nothing against Franklin Zoo and can understand that they will want [need] to turn every dollar that they can out of Jumbo.

I am saddened that they need to misrepresent the facts to do so.

 

[Chlidonias]

Jumbo-sized payout for sacked elephant handler - Yahoo!Xtra News

December 22, 2010

An elephant handler was sacked after being told that his long-time charge, Jumbo, was "lost", only to read in a newspaper the animal had been given to the RSPCA.

Tony Ratcliffe, who ran Whirling Bros Circus and looked after Jumbo for about 30 years, has been awarded more than $26,000 after he took Australian-based Loritz Bros circus owner Harry Weber to the Employment Relations Authority (ERA) for unjustified dismissal.

Jumbo, an African elephant, attracted attention last year when animal welfare activists claimed she was suffering at the hands of the circus, allegations rejected by Loritz Bros.

According to the ERA decision, released today, Mr Ratcliffe retired from circus ownership in 2008 arranged to sell Jumbo to Loritz Bros for $70,000 and work for them looking after her. He would be paid $1500 in the hand each week.

However, there was no written employment agreement and once the circus started touring Mr Ratcliffe became concerned no assistant elephant handler had been taken on, as arranged so he could take a couple of days off each week.

When the circus set up at Waihi at the beginning of November last year, Jumbo was put on display so the public could feed him.

However, Jumbo frightened some children when he put his trunk into the back of a car. This led to an argument with other circus staff about the feeding set up.

After the circus performed in Te Aroha, where there was another argument about the set up, Mr Ratcliffe and his wife were told the circus was going to Tauranga but when they arrived at the racecourse no-one else was there.

A circus staff member arrived and told Mr Ratcliffe Jumbo had been "lost" and they were out looking for her.

Mr Weber then phoned Mr Ratcliffe told him he had been sacked and another elephant handler would be taken on.

However, a couple of days later Mr Ratcliffe read in a local newspaper that Jumbo had been given to the RSPCA.

ERA member Eleanor Robinson determined from the evidence that Mr Ratcliffe was an employee and was unjustifiably dismissed.

She ordered Mr Weber pay Mr Ratcliffe $3000 in lost wages and $13,252 for unpaid annual leave.

Ms Robinson said it was not unreasonable to assume the circus had planned to give Jumbo to the RSPCA and had made up the story about him being lost, which would have upset Mr Ratcliffe, who would not have been able to say goodbye to his long-time charge.

Mr Ratcliffe was awarded $10,000 for hurt, humiliation and injury to feelings.

Jumbo now lives at the Franklin Zoo, south of Auckland.

Now called her original name Mila, she is being rehabilitated so she could eventually socialise with other elephants when the chance arises.
Thirty-seven years old, she could live for up to another 35 years.

 

[kiwipo]

Oxy-*****?

that was the zoo owners words, not mine, I took it to mean they were allowing her to live as naturally as possible without feeling the need to perform tricks.

 

[Jarkari]

that was the zoo owners words, not mine, I took it to mean they were allowing her to live as naturally as possible without feeling the need to perform tricks.


Instead of abusing me you could have asked me to explain it.

Before accusing someone of abusing you maybe look the word up in a dictionary.

 

[kiwipo]

Means contradictory term or similar doesnt it, but its commonly used as an insult too, If she didnt mean to insult then I apologise,

 

[kiwipo]

Before accusing someone of abusing you maybe look the word up in a dictionary.

The insults and insinuation were flying and fast on the previous pages to this thread, with a number being directed at Franklyn Zoo by people including yourself saying they are being somewhat two faced by saying they are preparing the elephant for possible future sanctuary living, and yet building a purpose made elephant house for her.

The owner of Franklyn, Dr Schofield, is quite approachable and only to happy to answer any questions about Mila. Perhaps instead of making up your own theories you could get in touch with her and ask her.

The elephant isn't owned by Franklyn, but its become clear over the last few years that there just isn't the money to transport her overseas, and so far they haven't had any offers from a reputable sanctuary. None of the zoos in NZ or Aus want her, so it's pretty safe to say she will be at Franklyn for a while yet. the only thing she doesnt have there is the company of another elephant, which she hasn't had since she was a calf.

Not quite sure what someone meant by elephant experts being kept in work because of her, the original keeper who mainly first looked after her at Franklyn was already there when she arrived.

Not long after she arrived two keepers who worked with african elephants in aus came over to advise on her upkeep.

But as I say, any questions you can ask her yourself. Be a lot better than speculation.