All of the major construction, including the barn, is already done. They seem to just be finishing up on smaller, cosmetic stuff. I am quite sure everything will be up to par.
The zoo sent out an email blast yesterday saying the exhibit will open in March! Seems a bit optimistic to me, but here's hoping...
(Since it was not a private docent email, but an official release sent to the entire membership, I feel comfortable posting it below):
Elephant Update
The pool is full, the grass is lush and green, the mud wallow is, well, quite muddy! Get ready to meet Tucson's newest pachyderm pals, a family of African elephants who will be arriving shortly from San Diego Zoo's Safari Park. With construction nearly complete, we're very excited to open this world-class exhibit for the community who helped it become a reality. Without the generosity of our donors, the hard work of our staff and volunteers, and the tireless efforts of our advocates everywhere, this never would have been possible.
When will your new exhibit be complete?
Construction on Expedition Tanzania will be complete by February, and we hope to open in March, 2012.
Are we receiving new elephants in Tucson?
Yes. With the completion of Expedition Tanzania, we will acquire additional African Elephants. In cooperation with AZA and the African Elephant Species Survival Plan, we are working with our colleagues at San Diego Zoo Safari Park to plan for the future of elephants in Tucson. Owing to the successful elephant breeding program in San Diego, their herd is large enough to be split – allowing for additional potential breeding and conservation efforts in the future – right here in Tucson.
Are Connie and Shaba staying here?
No. A collaborative agreement between the San Diego Zoo and Reid Park Zoo has been made to move both Connie, the Asian elephant, and Shaba, the African, to San Diego Zoo’s state-of-the-art Elephant Odyssey habitat. This $40 million exhibit was built to cater to the needs of older Asian elephants with accommodations and staffing to address age-related issues. We feel these special accommodations and ability to integrate with a larger herd is a wonderful opportunity for both animals, particularly for Connie as she is elderly.
If you have more questions about the exhibit, elephants at Reid Park Zoo, or Connie and Shaba's future, we invite you to check out our newly posted ELEPHANT FAQ. It's full of information and we hope it will answer any lingering questions you might have.
The zoo sent out an email blast yesterday saying the exhibit will open in March! Seems a bit optimistic to me, but here's hoping...
(Since it was not a private docent email, but an official release sent to the entire membership, I feel comfortable posting it below):
Elephant Update
The pool is full, the grass is lush and green, the mud wallow is, well, quite muddy! Get ready to meet Tucson's newest pachyderm pals, a family of African elephants who will be arriving shortly from San Diego Zoo's Safari Park. With construction nearly complete, we're very excited to open this world-class exhibit for the community who helped it become a reality. Without the generosity of our donors, the hard work of our staff and volunteers, and the tireless efforts of our advocates everywhere, this never would have been possible.
When will your new exhibit be complete?
Construction on Expedition Tanzania will be complete by February, and we hope to open in March, 2012.
Are we receiving new elephants in Tucson?
Yes. With the completion of Expedition Tanzania, we will acquire additional African Elephants. In cooperation with AZA and the African Elephant Species Survival Plan, we are working with our colleagues at San Diego Zoo Safari Park to plan for the future of elephants in Tucson. Owing to the successful elephant breeding program in San Diego, their herd is large enough to be split – allowing for additional potential breeding and conservation efforts in the future – right here in Tucson.
Are Connie and Shaba staying here?
No. A collaborative agreement between the San Diego Zoo and Reid Park Zoo has been made to move both Connie, the Asian elephant, and Shaba, the African, to San Diego Zoo’s state-of-the-art Elephant Odyssey habitat. This $40 million exhibit was built to cater to the needs of older Asian elephants with accommodations and staffing to address age-related issues. We feel these special accommodations and ability to integrate with a larger herd is a wonderful opportunity for both animals, particularly for Connie as she is elderly.
If you have more questions about the exhibit, elephants at Reid Park Zoo, or Connie and Shaba's future, we invite you to check out our newly posted ELEPHANT FAQ. It's full of information and we hope it will answer any lingering questions you might have.
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