Greenville Zoo Bids Farewell To Female Elephant

GREENVILLE, SC – After an extensive search, working directly with the Elephant Species Survival Program (SSP) to identify available Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accredited facilities and working independently with a recognized elephant sanctuary, the Greenville Zoo announced today that plans have been finalized for Joni (publicly known as Joy) to move to her new home at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo in Colorado Springs, Colo. Timing for her move is yet to be determined.

“This was a difficult decision, and Joni will be missed dearly by the Greenville Zoo staff and community,” said Greenville Zoo Director Jeff Bullock. “However, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo has an amazing program for maturing elephants that will help elephants like Joni thrive. The facility and community are ready to welcome and embrace her as one of their own.”

In 2012, the AZA posted new standards for keeping elephants, and over the course of the Greenville Zoo’s master planning process, it was determined that it would not have enough space to house an Elephant Exhibit in the future. As a result, the Greenville Zoo staff formed an Animal Management Committee to begin a search for a new home for its two elephants, Ladybird and Joni. Before the committee finalized its plans, Ladybird passed away in March.

“Elephants are very social animals and with Ladybird’s passing, the search for a new home for Joni became even more critical,” said Bullock. “While there are many wonderful facilities in the U.S., the committee wanted to ensure that wherever Joni went, her needs would be met, both in the short and long term.”

The committee sent a comprehensive questionnaire to five facilities across the country. The questionnaire was designed to garner information about their elephant programs, staff, facilities and medical care capabilities. Zoo staff then conducted telephone interviews with three of the facilities. Subsequently, one facility withdrew from consideration and the other two requested site visits to meet Joni and determine whether they could manage her needs.

“The process was long and arduous, but the committee was determined to find the best place for Joni to live out the rest of her life,” said Heather Miller, Deputy Administrator for Animal Health. “Cheyenne Mountain Zoo staff visited our zoo and spent time with Joni and her zookeepers. In an effort to aid her in the transition, they have adopted the name Joni, which is the original name given to her by the zookeepers and trainers who cared for her.”

Joni is expected to move to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s brand-new Encounter Africa exhibit where she will be introduced to four other mature female African elephants. The zoo built the facility to specifically meet the daily needs of aging elephants. The zoo provides regular exercise, a yoga program to keep the elephants’ joints moving and a three-acre “vacation yard” that includes a wooded area for times when the elephants might look for alternative enrichment. The exhibit also includes a waterfall feature where the elephants can bathe in a cascade of water, or submerge themselves in the pool.

        

Dr. Heather Miller and Elephant Manager Christine Dear will accompany the transport of Joni in a separate vehicle in the event medical treatment is needed. Dear will stay at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo for several days to help Joni acclimate to her new surroundings before returning to Greenville.

“In our hearts and minds, we truly believe Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is the best new home for Joni,” Bob Chastain, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo President and CEO, said. “Transferring her to Cheyenne Mountain Zoo will provide her with several social opportunities, additional living spaces and exceptional veterinary care for her age-related conditions. We are sure our community will be excited to meet her, and our staff welcomes her arrival.”

Future plans for the Greenville Zoo’s elephant enclosure and barn space include a large three-story tropical building to house multiple different species. Zoo and City staff are currently working alongside the Friends of the Zoo to determine what might be the best temporary use of the space until that time.

“While the committee recognizes that nothing could take the place of our beloved elephants, the committee is looking at a variety of unique uses for this space that will engage guests for the next few years and honor the memories that the zoo shares with the community,” said Dr. Miller.

Joni is a 44 year old African elephant who arrived at the Greenville Zoo in 1977 at the age of seven. She remained the zoo’s only elephant until she moved to Riverbanks Zoo and Botanical Gardens in 1997 while the elephant barn underwent remodeling.  Ladybird arrived in 2006 and became Joni’s faithful companion for the next 8 years. The zoo will hold a farewell celebration for Joni daily June 5-8 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. near the Elephant Exhibit.

 

About the Greenville Zoo

Accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA), the Greenville Zoo is rated one of the best tourist attractions in South Carolina, attracting over 270,000 people annually. Operated by the City of Greenville, the 14-acre facility features wildlife from around the world, including orangutans, giraffes, monkeys and giant tortoises. Visitors can also enjoy one of the zoo’s most popular exhibits, the Reptile Building, which is home to a variety of lizards, frogs, turtles and snakes.

The Greenville Zoo is open seven days a week, except on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day. Hours of operation are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Zoo entry ticket sales close at 4:15 p.m. Admission to the Greenville Zoo is $8.75 for adults and $5.50 for children (ages 3-15 years old). For more information about the Greenville Zoo, visit www.greenvillezoo.comor follow the zoo on Facebook at facebook.com/greenvillezoo.

 

About Cheyenne Mountain Zoo

The Cheyenne Mountain Zoological Society was founded in 1926. Today, Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, America’s ONLY mountain zoo, offers comprehensive education programs, exciting conservation efforts and truly fantastic animal experiences. It is Cheyenne Mountain Zoo’s hope that guests fall in love with animals and nature, and take action to protect them. Of the 224 zoos and aquariums accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Cheyenne Mountain Zoo is one of just nine operating without tax support. Cheyenne Mountain Zoo depends on admissions, membership dues and donations for funding.