Anne the ex Circus Elephant.

Regardless of our varying views etc, the main outcome has been great for Anne. She has a new home, 6 acres to roam in and keepers that will spoil her like she has never known.

Sending Anne to Paignton wouldn't be right. Duchess is getting on in years, she's not in the best of health - she can't see very well.

I recall when they had to put Gay to sleep they said they would just spoil Duchess from now until she passes away. All credit to the staff I think they are doing so as much as possible. Duchess is probably used to being on her own now. How ever sad it is, I think the right choice has been made to move Anne to Longleat. They have said if it will benefit her they will bring in more elephants.

I guess they'll be getting a new heard going much sooner than they originally planned.
 
Zambar said:
And I thought to mention you can now make donations to the creation of the 'Longleat Elephant Sanctuary' on their official site.
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Far be it for me to pour cold water on this but Longleat is a commercial animal attraction unlike say ZSL which is a charity.

Moreover, I always find it cynical that such commercial establishments go cap-in-hand to the public but no doubt due to the media interest in this elephant the money will come rolling in.

And that word 'Sanctuary' being used again (same old trick that Merlin Entertainment's Sea Life Centres use) because god forbid they use the word 'zoo' even though that's actually what they are. I wouldn't mind betting that if it was the case that Whipsnade expressed in interest in housing Anne they were ruled out because they are a zoo not a safari park.

No I am not suggesting Longleat can not give Anne excellent care and attention, I am acquainted with one of the the senior staff who worked with the original elephant group and the Longleat staff are very skilled. However, it just seems as I said a bit cynical. So perhaps some of the large profits Longleat are going to make from this animal could go to the proposed 'Elephant Sanctuary' rather than rattling a collecting tin - just a thought :rolleyes:
 
Zambar said:
And I thought to mention you can now make donations to the creation of the 'Longleat Elephant Sanctuary' on their official site.
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Aha - it didn't take long for the begging bowl to make an appearance!!

It regularly appears at times like this in the USA, has turned up in New Zealand and now the Brits have cottoned on to how it works.

Handy word - "Sanctuary"! When I was in the UK, Longleat was a Safari Park.
 
Yeah, 'tis a dodgy word; Makes me think of all the exhibits Sea Life randomly sticks 'sanctuary' on! :p
 
Longleat don't actually own Anne, they are just providing the home.

Just seen the latest photo's online of here having some fun in her new enclosure.
 
She may not be staying at Longleat....

Quote from their website
We are absolutely delighted that Anne the elephant was on Sunday 3 April successfully moved to Longleat Safari Park.

Anne coped with the journey admirably well, is safe, well and beginning to settle into her new surroundings.

In the coming days and weeks a team of three dedicated keepers will provide her with the tender loving care she needs around the clock. She will also receive a full health check and be provided with the best possible veterinary treatment. A decision will then be made on where she will be cared for long-term.
Anne is an elderly elephant and has been through a huge ordeal. We ask everyone to now leave her in peace so she has the best chance of recovering from her ordeal and settling into her new surroundings.

Animal Defenders International (ADI), British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), Born Free Foundation, Longleat, RSPCA and Specialist Wildlife Services thank the public for their concern for Anne. She is now in a place where she can feel safe and secure.

Mrs and Mrs Roberts who also assisted with Anne’s move have passed on their own thanks to everyone involved for their help and support.

All the groups will continue to liaise in the coming days and weeks to ensure Anne receives the highest and most appropriate level of care available, both in the short and long-term.
 
With reference to the age of this animal, does anyone know how the longevity of circus elephants compares to zoo elephants?
 
Ned said:
With reference to the age of this animal, does anyone know how the longevity of circus elephants compares to zoo elephants?
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I would say elephants in circuses live to a similar age to those in zoos. there was an ex British circus who lived to the age of sixty in a circus in Austria.
 
John Dineley said:
And that word 'Sanctuary' being used again (same old trick that Merlin Entertainment's Sea Life Centres use) because god forbid they use the word 'zoo' even though that's actually what they are.
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sanctuary |ˈsa ng (k) ch oōˌerē|
noun ( pl. -aries)
1 a place of refuge or safety

Longleat are considering building a facility specifically to house abused elephants that are need of a new home. Therefore I would argue that their proposition would suit the definition of "Sanctuary" rather well. I didn't see them anywhere saying they were changing the name to "Longleat Sanctuary". Just that they wanted to build an "elephant sanctuary" at Longleat safari Park.


John Dineley said:
...So perhaps some of the large profits Longleat are going to make from this animal could go to the proposed 'Elephant Sanctuary' rather than rattling a collecting tin - just a thought :rolleyes:
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Sheesh, we are having a bad day.

Large profits. Really? You think that one old elephant, is going to make Longleat that much revenue in increased ticket sales that they will be able to build a new elephant exhibit off the back of it?

Surely if elephants proved that profitable for Longleat they would have held onto those africans right? Rather than give them up.... because they couldn't afford to build a new exhibit.... right?
 
TARZAN said:
I would say elephants in circuses live to a similar age to those in zoos. there was an ex British circus who lived to the age of sixty in a circus in Austria.
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Actually, at least African elephants live way shorter lives in circuses than in zoos. That is according to EEG statistics, which are usually very reliable.
 
Steve Robinson said:
Aha - it didn't take long for the begging bowl to make an appearance!!

It regularly appears at times like this in the USA, has turned up in New Zealand and now the Brits have cottoned on to how it works.

Handy word - "Sanctuary"! When I was in the UK, Longleat was a Safari Park.
Click to expand...

Outrageous! those nasty zoos calling themselves "sanctuaries" and robbing good circus folk of their elderly money spinning elephants. those beasts would be just as happy to stay in their respective circus homes and worked till they literally dropped off their pedestals. Thats if their owners don't retire them first. Its not like circus' don't make a fortune and have the money to retire an elephant.

Another case of sour grapes Steve?
 
Saro said:
Actually, at least African elephants live way shorter lives in circuses than in zoos. That is according to EEG statistics, which are usually very reliable.
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My apologies, I was thinking of Asian elephants, regarding EEG statistics regarding Africans. I do not find this surprising.
 
So, am I right in thinking that Longleat basically had an intact, vacant elephant facility lying there from the time they had the African herd?
 
johnstoni said:
So, am I right in thinking that Longleat basically had an intact, vacant elephant facility lying there from the time they had the African herd?
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Yes that is right , it had since been used for the Rhinos.
There is talk of actually mixing Anne with the Rhinos in their paddock.
 
The photograph in the earlier Mail article showed the wooded hill previously used by the African elephants as the grass paddock Anne was to use. I had assumed that the flamingo aviary had used part of this area, and that for this reason if nothing else that the perimter fencing for the African elephant paddock would not have remained intact for all these years.
http://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2011/03/30/article-1371354-0B646C1600000578-628_634x331.jpg

This photo is accompanied by the caption: 'Pachydern paradise: The Longleat park where Anne will roam. On the far right is the elephant house, which is soon to be replaced with a modern shed'

I've never been to Longleat. Were the African elephants walked from their night quarters to a hotwired 'temporary' paddock? Or was the paddock physically connected to the house and yards?

I'd be surprised if Anne was mixed with the rhinos. As I understand it, the rhinos do not access the paddock previously used by African elephants, but have always occupied the 'big game reserve', along with camels, ankole cattle, etc. I would not think the perimeter fencing would be suitable for elephants, although for trained elderly females I'm sure they could cheaply hotwire the interior.

Was the former African elephant paddock occupied by anything after they left? I had thought the bongo lived here at some point, but as I say I've not visited and so I could well be wrong.
 
The flamingo and vulture aviaries are on the site of the elephant paddock, but it'd be easy to put a fence around them to create a sizable area, which I'm assuming they're planning to do for Anne once they feel she is fit enough as they have stated she'll have more space given to hear once they know she's ready for it. As for the bongo (and eland), they're range includes the elephant area but they've got so much room beyond that it wouldn't make much difference!
 
Nisha said:
She may not be staying at Longleat.
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Anne is now under the care of Specialist Wildlife Services who untimely make decisions on her future care and where she is held. I suspect she will remain at Longleat when taking into consideration her age and her heath.

As I understand it the speculation she would be going to Whipsnade was only based on the fact that the RSPCA had requested a health assessment from a ZSL veterinary professional when initial discussions on her future were undertaken after the press release and video of her abuse.

peacock - your response to Steve Robinson and my comments clearly show you don't have a grasp of the historical facts. The 'safari park' concept originated from circus entrepreneur Jimmy Chipperfield and the first park he had was Longleat which maybe reflect on my comments (I can't speak fro Steve Robinson) when I suggest that history is repeating itself in the 'roll up roll' marketing. From you comments you clearly don't understand the concept of irony.

As regards the term sanctuary, the reason this raise the hackles of many UK zoo professionals such as myself is the abuse this has been put to by groups and organisations who try to keep exotic animals in the UK and yet not comply with the UK Zoo Licensing laws because they are a 'sanctuary' and they need not try and provide the basic legal standards of animal care require by the UK government for zoological collections.
 
John Dineley said:
peacock - your response to Steve Robinson and my comments clearly show you don't have a grasp of the historical facts. The 'safari park' concept originated from circus entrepreneur Jimmy Chipperfield and the first park he had was Longleat which maybe reflect on my comments (I can't speak fro Steve Robinson) when I suggest that history is repeating itself in the 'roll up roll' marketing. From you comments you clearly don't understand the concept of irony.
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I understand the concept of irony perfectly well John, I just think your suggestions are a bit of a stretch. I don't really understand why you find it that ironical that a zoo that decides to house an abused ex-circus elephant would not place her on display. Or that, should they decide to house more needy elephants that they would use the term "sanctuary" to describe their plans. Both seem completely logical and predictable outcomes.

You seem to suggest that this is some outrageous profitable scam.

I'm not arguing in defence of Longleat. I have never been there. But questioning the use of the word "sanctuary" (when it, by definition a perfectly appropriate word) seems petty to me. And claiming the acquisition of a single geriatric elephant to be huge money spinner, seems inaccurate.

If you feel Longleat are somehow taking advantage of the situation please explain - specifically. But if thats all you got then, I'm sorry, I just don't seem to find it all that surprising, ironical or worthy of eye rolling.
 
peacock said:
Outrageous! those nasty zoos calling themselves "sanctuaries" and robbing good circus folk of their elderly money spinning elephants. those beasts would be just as happy to stay in their respective circus homes and worked till they literally dropped off their pedestals. Thats if their owners don't retire them first. Its not like circus' don't make a fortune and have the money to retire an elephant.

Another case of sour grapes Steve?
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Your usual sense of equilibrium seems to have deserted you!

I don't think that this dramatic flight of fancy warrants any further response.
 
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