This photo probably shows 65-70% of the yard and it is far too small in the modern world of exhibit design. Not only that but there is one African and one Asian elephant and that is obviously a major no-no these days. There have been numerous protests about this zoo over the last few years and I have no idea why Topeka is holding out and determined to keep its pachyderms. The zoo will not be AZA-accredited by 2016 unless they can find 3 female elephants to stick into an outdated paddock, but the indoor area is nothing but pure cement and I'm not sure that they even have room for more than two elephants. If I was a betting man I'd almost be tempted to "bet the farm" that this zoo will not have any elephants whatsoever in a few years, and that is the perfectly sensible solution.
Snowleopard, I don't suppose you could fill me in on where these AZA rules stand in terms of bachelor herds. If Topeka decided that they want to keep to spare males would they be able to keep their accreditation?
