They cleared out a lot more room since the 90s. I grew up near (and was often in) that zoo as a kid. Cindy was a problem for a few reasons, not just the small enclosure. She was not really trained, never interacted with other elephants, and only had one handler for most of her life. She got violent and didn’t transition well and that’s not a reputation zoo animals can have.
From what I remember they finally moved her out, razed a whole section of the zoo, and now they’ve got somewhat adequate space for a pair of elephants. Still not great but Cindy’s situation was rough and a shame.
I think this year that zoo finally will reopen the south pacific exhibit after realizing the 1800s british explorer look was a little… outdated and needed remodeling.
We went there this weekend and yeah that elephant didn’t do anything other than very slowly toss wet sand on its back due to the heat. Compared to other equally locked elephants at the same Diego animal jail zoo, she looked sad sad.
Reminds me of the elephant we saw at point defiance zoo near Seattle WA. Poor thing is kept in a property the size of like 2 or 3 houses.
They cleared out a lot more room since the 90s. I grew up near (and was often in) that zoo as a kid. Cindy was a problem for a few reasons, not just the small enclosure. She was not really trained, never interacted with other elephants, and only had one handler for most of her life. She got violent and didn’t transition well and that’s not a reputation zoo animals can have.
From what I remember they finally moved her out, razed a whole section of the zoo, and now they’ve got somewhat adequate space for a pair of elephants. Still not great but Cindy’s situation was rough and a shame.
I think this year that zoo finally will reopen the south pacific exhibit after realizing the 1800s british explorer look was a little… outdated and needed remodeling.
We went there this weekend and yeah that elephant didn’t do anything other than very slowly toss wet sand on its back due to the heat. Compared to other equally locked elephants at the same Diego animal jail zoo, she looked sad sad.
The elephants were never a great part the zoo, IMO, and what you’re seeing is a remarkable improvement from what it used to be.
The aquarium is the main draw for my family. It is currently the most updated and least fucked for the animals.
The Red Wolves were reintroduced to the wild from the breeding program at the zoo too. It’s a mixed bag that place.
The aquarium was actually really good. I’m sure the bigger sharks are probably pissed all the time but otherwise they were really ample.