Three African elephants will no longer be moving into a new home at The Maryland Zoo in Baltimore because of a delay in exhibit expansion plans.
“Philadelphia?s decision to send the elephants here was tied to their desire for the animals to be in a better position than in Philadelphia,” said Billie Grieb, president and CEO of The Maryland Zoo.
Elephants Petal, Kallie and Bette were scheduled to move from their home at The Philadelphia Zoo within the next couple of months.
The Maryland Zoo made the announcement Tuesday about the construction being postponed.
The Baltimore City zoo houses two elephants, Dolly and Anna, who would have shared the larger exhibit with the elephants from The Philadelphia Zoo.
Grieb said if the elephants had arrived, they would likely remain in Maryland “for the rest of their lives.”
“Once the animals are moved to another facility, we don?t like to move them around a lot,” she said.
Ron Fricke, vice president of education at The Philadelphia Zoo, said plans to find a new zoo for the animals are being considered, but the decision will “take some time.”
The Philadelphia Zoo is under no major space constraint though, so there is “no rush to get the elephants out,” he said. “We will always keep the best interest of the animals in mind.”
He said Philadelphia Zoo board members are working with colleagues at the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to determine the best place to move the three elephants.
Grieb said The Maryland Zoo will continue its expansion plans and hopes to house more elephants once construction is complete.
She said she was confident the elephants will find a good home.
“There are a number of zoos that are putting up expanded exhibits, and now it is up to The Philadelphia Zoo to find the spot they think is best for the animals,” she said.
Grieb said the zoo board had been discussing plans to suspend the arrival of the Philadelphia elephants for several weeks, but made its official announcement Tuesday.
