Detroit Zoo Elephants Complete Long Journey
Zoo Director Says Winky, Wanda Doing Fine
POSTED: Friday, April 8, 2005
Detroit's most popular elephants arrived in California sometime after midnight on Friday.Detroit Zoo Director Ron Kagan said Winky and Wanda are doing fine after making the 2,300-mile trek from metro Detroit to the Performing Animal Welfare Society near Sacramento. 
Video: See Elephant Truck's Departure
Animal experts spent the winter months preparing Winky, 51, and Wanda, 46, to feel comfortable stepping into a trailer and Tuesday the two elephants were put to the test and passed.Wanda and Winky -- which both suffer from arthritis and other ailments of age -- were sent to the California facility so that they could be in a milder climate and have more spacious accommodations.The transfer was made possible after an agreement was reached in December by the Detroit Zoo, Columbus Zoo, San Antonio Zoo and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.The deal vindicated nearly six months of efforts by Kagan and petitions by local residents to find more room and a milder climate for the elephants.
Video: See Elephant Truck's DepartureAnimal experts spent the winter months preparing Winky, 51, and Wanda, 46, to feel comfortable stepping into a trailer and Tuesday the two elephants were put to the test and passed.Wanda and Winky -- which both suffer from arthritis and other ailments of age -- were sent to the California facility so that they could be in a milder climate and have more spacious accommodations.The transfer was made possible after an agreement was reached in December by the Detroit Zoo, Columbus Zoo, San Antonio Zoo and the American Zoo and Aquarium Association.The deal vindicated nearly six months of efforts by Kagan and petitions by local residents to find more room and a milder climate for the elephants.
Previous Stories:
- April 5, 2005: Detroit Zoo Elephants Pack Trunks, Head To Oasis
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