A new factor affecting the SSP decision was a test indicating that Wanda may carry the elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV), which can be fatal to young elephants. “Since Columbus Zoo has an active elephant breeding program and nine-month-old calf, we could not accept Wanda,” said Gerald Borin, executive director of the Columbus Zoo. EEHV is a disease found only in elephants and is not believed to pose a health risk to humans or other animal species.

The Columbus Zoo notified the SSP that it could not accept Wanda into their herd. Knowing other accredited zoos with breeding herds would have similar concerns because of the test, the SSP re-evaluated the case and voted to declare both elephants non-essential to the population.

When notified by Columbus officials of its decision, San Antonio Zoo decided to donate Wanda to the Detroit Zoo in order to keep the two animals together. This decision enables the Detroit Zoo to place both animals in a facility of its choosing, as long as the facility meets the Detroit Zoo’s Acquisition/Disposition Policy. In light of the recent developments, and after consultation with the AZA and the San Antonio Zoo, Detroit has decided to move the elephants to the PAWS sanctuary in California.

In May, the Detroit Zoo announced its intent to stop exhibiting elephants and the desire to send Winky and Wanda to another facility in a warmer climate, with many acres to roam and more elephants. In September, the AZA Elephant SSP voted to send the elephants to the Columbus Zoo. The Detroit Zoo appealed the decision but this was denied last month.

“We appreciate the clear commitment to doing what is best for these two elephants by the Columbus Zoo, San Antonio Zoo and the AZA,” said Ron Kagan, director of the Detroit Zoological Institute. “This lengthy and complicated issue has led to a number of positive outcomes and discussions.”

Steve McCusker, director of the San Antonio Zoo stated, "Our intent has always been, and continues to be, to do what's best for the animals. We have consistently agreed to follow the SSP recommendation for Wanda, knowing it would provide the best place for her and keep her in an important role in the SSP. Keeping them together is a priority, and our first choice was that the elephants would stay in Detroit and second, that the elephants move to Columbus. Due to space limitations, we cannot take both animals here, so we, in an effort to keep them together, donated Wanda to Detroit in hopes they will keep them together and safeguard their future."

“Animal care is the foundation for everything we do, and I am proud of the AZA elephant experts who have worked so compassionately and professionally to find the best possible care for Wanda and Winky,” stated Sydney J. Butler, executive director of the AZA. “These AZA professionals always base their decisions on compassion, science and experience.”

Detroit Zoo officials hope to move the elephants as soon as the weather permits. It is expected that rhinoceroses will replace them in the spring. There are no plans to relocate any other animals at the Zoo.

Founded in 1924, the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA), is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the advancement of zoos and aquariums in the areas of conservation, education, science, and recreation. AZA currently has 213 accredited members in North America, Bermuda and Hong Kong. Look for the AZA logo whenever you visit a zoo or aquarium as your assurance that you are supporting a facility dedicated to providing excellent care for animals, a great experience for you, and a better future for all living things. AZA is a leader in global wildlife conservation, and your link to helping animals in their native habitats.

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