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Where's My Elephant?

 
If when you travel, the local zoo is high on your list of sights, you better be quick if you want to see some elephants in captivity. The Bronx Zoo has announced that when another of their elephants in captivity dies, they will shut down their exhibit, as it's possible the remaining pachyderms won't get along.

This trend is not limited to New York. Zoos across the country--including Chicago, Detroit, Philadelphia and San Francisco--are phasing out elephant exhibits, because of size and financial constraints and a better understanding of the animals in general. They need to roam in larger herds, and city zoos can't supply that kind of space. Philadelphia's Zoo scuttled plans for a $22 million elephant savannah last year for cost reasons. Perhaps the money will be spent to keep Stephen Starr in New York City.

So, to review: Elephants living in cramped quarters in New York City is bad, but a 450 square foot apartment for two people is just great. Lucky elephants.

[Image via Katertot/Flickr]


Related Stories:
·   Bronx Zoo Plans to End Elephant Exhibit [New York Times]