Tina puts a trunk up to check in with travel partner Jewel in their new home at the San Diego Zoo.
APHIS, the agency that enforces the federal Animal Welfare Act, chose the San Diego Zoo as the receiving facility for these elephants because the Zoo can provide the elephants with the care that best matches their particular needs. The newly created Prebys Elephant Care Center is a state-of-the-art facility designed with the care of older pachyderms in mind. The elephant move occurred under the auspices of APHIS and was observed by San Diego Humane Society officials.
Once the truck arrived at the Zoo, it was opened, and the elephants were invited by animal care staff to come into their new home. It took a couple of hours for them to decide to take advantage of the offer, but finally both girls were in the Elephant Care Center together, munching on bananas, chirping, and checking each other with their trunks.
Jewel and Tina are not expected to be available for public viewing for the next few weeks as they acclimate and receive thorough health examinations. Zoo officials hope that the two will integrate well into the existing herd of seven elephants current housed in the new exhibit.
Christina Simmons is the public relations manager for the San Diego Zoo.
Note: We hope to have more information on Tina and Jewel by the end of this week. We now have video of their first veterinary exam at the Zoo.
could you please provide us with more back ground on the girls? i am so happy for these girls…they are just going to love their new abode.
I read about this !! they said the elephants weren’t been fed..kinda looks like it…I am glad they are being taken care of the SDZ ..they will be soooo Happy!!! Thank you SDZ for your kindness and help…thank god
I don’t know the background to this either but judging by the look of them, they haven’t had an easy life. It’s comforting to know they are now in your care and hopefully they will soon adjust to their new home and thrive with the great care SDZ will provide them. Welcome home Jewel and Tina!
is the zoo going to breed the cows if they are young enough? and are both elephant herds now one? and are anymore elephants scheduled for arrival? Thanks
Elephant care staff responds: We are not going to breed the elephants at Elephant Odyssey. The herds are still being merged. And no more elephants are scheduled for arrival at this time.
Hooray for these fine ladies! They couldn’t ask for a better home than the SDZ. Welcome Jewel and Tina!
Looking forward to hearing more about you.
Take good care of our girls, they are special ladies. We love you Jewel and Tina (and Boo). Get well soon, my sweets. See you soon.
There is more information at the Elephant database. It appears to have been a small circus with three elephants – one remaining – wild born – ages unknown.
I’m thrilled these elephants have found a good home. However, it does make me worry for the current elephants. Are Jewel and Tina are in a quarantine situation? Couldn’t they carry something that could be a danger to the zoo elephants – tb or herpes? Also isn’t it now going to be even harder to integrate the elephants all together? I visited Elephant Odyssey for the first time last week. The original 3 zoo elephants looked so happy, moving around using the space. However the WAP elephants didn’t seem happy. They weren’t all together and just stood around at the gates. It made me very sad. It made me feel they were better off at the park.
This looks like a win-win situation to me. The two girls found an elephant haven (heaven sort of) at the zoo, and the zoo obtained two more elephants to help build the herd. Since all the other elephants are all getting use to the new environment and the herd, it is an ideal time to welcome the two newcomers into the mix. Since they came together, they have companionship of a familiar friend, and can face their new world as a unit and not all alone. More exciting times ahead at SDZ.
Welcome to Elephant Odyssey, Tina and Jewel!!! Hope you enjoy your new home and friends at SDZ! I also would like more info on the girls myself, such as their ages, where they were born, their likes and dislikes, favorite snacks and scents, all the good stuff! Just saw the pic of the 2 ellies, and they look good after such a long trip. I love the way Tina gives that reassuring touch with her trunk to Jewel! That’s so sweet! Are they sisters or related to each other in some way? They look like they have a very close strong bond with each other.
Congrats on managing to get these 2 ellies to EO! I’m very sure that they will acclimate very well with the rest of the herd!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
I just looked up the two elephants, and Tina is 39, and Jewel is 40. I also found an article about the trainer and his now elephant and former elephants. Hope Jewel and Tina enjoy their home just as much as Ranchipur, Cha Cha, Mary, Cookie, Devi, Tembo, and Smitty do.
Nine elephants on less than three acres? Are you insane?
I am so happy for Tina and Jewel because they so deserve a better life!! I’m so thankful that SDZ was able to take these eles, and I am hopeful they can recover from their horrible past very soon! I just don’t understand why USDA left one elephant (Queenie) behind to continue living with a person that doesn’t take good care of animals??? What is the USDA thinking!!
For those of you that don’t know these two eles, you can do a web search using both of their names together for more info.
Great to hear about these two but there is a slight problem
The man they confiscated Tina and Jewel from still has the other elephant and it is living all alone
I really hope that we can get a hold of this one as well so it can be part of the SDZ family
I went to read up on the girls on the web and it’s not a pretty story. Jewel and Tina, as I suspected have had a hard, tragic life where they have not known a permanent home, never mind a loving one. I won’t go into detail here as the details are upsetting but suffice to say the girls have been saved and can now spend their elder days being cared for and respected, the way they should have been all along.
Thank you for being a refuge for the girls and let’s hope the other girl that is still in the situation these two escaped finds her way to a better life as well.
I saw this on the news..the man who has 3 elephants wasn’t cared for properly and humane society was keeping a close eye on him..he was some sort of a guy who grew up in a circus family?..so he bought these animals from a circus..but he wasn’t feeding them ..he gave up Jewel and Tina so he can keep one…well I hope his feeding his other one
when I saw two elephants on the blog I was excited to see if these was the two elephants was taking from the owner…and it was !!! I am soo delighted now I can see them being happy and being fed..whew! what a relief
There sooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo cute!
PAWS Sanctuary in No. California should be given credit for furnishing the truck so Tina and Jewel could take the long trip from Texas together.
@RowanM: Last time I checked elephants weren’t territorial species. It’s not like they divide up the three acres amongst themselves. They share it, and live in it altogether. It’s not like each elephant looses space when they add more in, they still have access to the entire exhibit.
How did the introductions go? Maybe after Jewel and Tina meet the other 7, and when you have time, you could put up a blog post about the elephants meeting each other. How did the WAP herd and the SDZ herds first get along with each other? How did the WAP herd react to Tembo? How did the two matriarchs get along? How did the now-merged 7-member herd and Jewel and Tina react to each other? Inquiring mind wants to know!
“Nine elephants on less than three acres? Are you insane?”
I thought the SDZ planned to put 8 elephants in there, then 60-year-old Sunita/Sonita died (see http://blogs.sandiegozoo.org/blog/2009/02/25/farewell-to-sunita/ ) before the move and the SDZ moved 7 in there, then only later did the USDA called the SDZ begging for a place to house Jewel and Tina. Maybe this is slightly the elephant equivalent of a human family staying in a crowded trailer or hotel room right after a natural disaster wrecks their house – totally not ideal, and better than the alternatives available at the time?
“I just don’t understand why USDA left one elephant (Queenie) behind to continue living with a person that doesn’t take good care of animals??? What is the USDA thinking!!”
Exactly – now Queenie’s even worse off than before because she lost her herd!
Moderator’s note: As you can imagine, our elephant care staff has been extra-busy this week, but we hope to have a new post updating everyone about Tina and Jewel within a few days.
“Moderator’s note: As you can imagine, our elephant care staff has been extra-busy this week, but we hope to have a new post updating everyone about Tina and Jewel within a few days.”
Within a few days? Wow, that’s way faster than I expected!
Right now we need to wish the staff well. These girls some serious TLC. A full medical workup and report requires some time.
These two beauties have accomplished something that Sheng could not do, Su Lin could not do, and even the beautiful Miss ZZ could not do. Because of Tina and Jewel, I am going to purchase the ANNUAL PASS!
Moderator’s note: Thank you, Ele-Lover! We appreciate having new Zoo members.
Welcome Tina and Jewel!
I can imagine how surprised you must have been riding in a proper sized and safe trailer to a destination that offers love and care and hope. Whatever can be done for you will be done here at the SDZ and it will be done without cruelty and abuse, but with compassion, love and devotion. Take comfort in not being separated as your new keepers know how important being together is for you. As best friends I hope your conversations now are happy ones and that the memories of pain and cruelty will soon fade away.
To the Zoo staff–bless you for accepting and saving these precious girls and taking on the challenge of healing them both in body and spirit. I know you can do it–Lungile is proof of that. The devotion and attention that saved her by the WAP staff I know will be the same from the Zoo staff. Hopefully they will heal and be able to eventually join the other seven in EO. I will be patient and anxious for that day to arrive as I know all of this takes time.
Until that day arrives I send my love and prayers to you all–Tina and Jewel and all who care for you.
Blessed Be With Love, judy j
Moderator’s note: Thank you, Judy J!
Thank you to all who made their journey possible. They finally will know a safe and loving home in their golden years. The love and care you give these special animals will be returned to you ten fold. I hope that APHIS will carefully monitor the other elephant that was left behind and maybe one day they all can be reunited. Thank you Paws for the truck you provided.
Any possibility of Queenie (Boo) coming, also?
Taylor you said ” Last time I checked elephants weren’t territorial species. It’s not like they divide up the three acres amongst themselves. They share it, and live in it altogether. It’s not like each elephant looses space when they add more in, they still have access to the entire exhibit.”
I was at Elephant Odyssey last week. They are all divided up.The Wild Animal Park Elephants weren’t even all together. All elephants were divided in smaller spaces, none had the run of the entire exhibit. Unfortuantely I don’t see any of the elephants having “access to the entire exhibit” any time soon. It’s great that the the original zoo elephants have much more room. However the Animal Park elephants are in a much smaller and much noiser space. Now with Jewel and Tina there will be even more division.
I agree with Lee – big ele hugs to PAWS for the use of their large trailer so the girls could travel together in comfort. Thanks San Diego for being there for Jewel and Tina. Hopefully, Queenie will follow soon.I’m sure lots of TLC is coming their way. Every day, more and more people are aware of the plight of these wonderful creatures face and the horror they suffer in circuses with people who do not treat them well. No more suffering for Tina and Jewel – they hit the motherlode.
This story highlights the need to support the zoo. Not only for those animals now living or being born at the zoo, but for those needing a safe and caring environment to move to. Pandas are my first love but elephants are running a close second! Perhaps there will be some elephant wishes on the September Wish List for Jewel and Tina. This story warms my heart! Thank you SDZ!
“Taylor you said ‘Last time I checked elephants weren’t territorial species. It’s not like they divide up the three acres amongst themselves. They share it, and live in it altogether. It’s not like each elephant looses space when they add more in, they still have access to the entire exhibit.’”
Isn’t that the goal, not the current state of affairs?
“I was at Elephant Odyssey last week. They are all divided up.The Wild Animal Park Elephants weren’t even all together. All elephants were divided in smaller spaces, none had the run of the entire exhibit. Unfortuantely I don’t see any of the elephants having ‘access to the entire exhibit’ any time soon. It’s great that the the original zoo elephants have much more room. However the Animal Park elephants are in a much smaller and much noiser space. Now with Jewel and Tina there will be even more division.”
Moderators, this is because the introductions have to be done gradually, right? I hope things won’t be slowed down even more, so that everyone including Jewel and Tina can hang out with each other and roam the whole space ASAP. If adding a third group does mean things have to be slowed down even more, the one who deserves all the blame is the creep who abused Jewel and Tina in the first place.
Moderator’s note: We are indeed taking things one step at a time.
I signed a petition to try helping the two girls. I am glad they were rescued from this horrible man. He wasn’t caring for the three elephants properly. I am so happy for Tina and Jewel but what about the other? A person like this elephant’s owner, who wasn’t feeding them not only should be fined BIG time also should be forced to give away the other one, to be saved and cared. Please!
I would starve him (the human) and force him to perform tricks as he does with animals. How about that!
All circuses should work without animals, free them all!
Yes! A BIG thanks to PAWS for their support and use of the ele hauler that saved these 2 ladies! Thank you PAWS and keep up the wonderful work that you do for our animals!!
Pat and Ed, you are every animal’s best friend indeed, and thank you for being there for them!!!!!
“Moderator’s note: We are indeed taking things one step at a time.”
Thanks for your answer!
Also, I wish the best to the elephants for their recovery and the best to the keepers and all the other staff (including you!) not only for your hard work but also for going through such an infuriating time right now (seeing how horribly Jewel and Tina were treated, having to take longer for the full integration into 1 herd, etc.) and having to deal with all that anger too. I know I might seem mellow here, but that’s because I remember this is an all-ages site where angry profanity probably isn’t welcome so I deliberately toned myself down.
“All circuses should work without animals, free them all!”
Yeah! Cirque du Soleil sets a great example – good performances by talented *people*, with no animals.
“Yes! A BIG thanks to PAWS for their support and use of the ele hauler that saved these 2 ladies! Thank you PAWS and keep up the wonderful work that you do for our animals!!
Pat and Ed, you are every animal’s best friend indeed, and thank you for being there for them!!!!!”
I agree!
Well, I have read alot of the comments about EO, bringing Jewel and Tina in, the other 7 elephants still working on getting together, and the situation with Queenie back in Texas. I agree that PAWS did a great thing to loan their truck to pick up Jewel and Tina to bring to SDZ. I also feel that elephant intros have to be taken one step at a time, but I am very sure that all 9 ellies will be together very soon roaming all of the EO yard. And Queenie needs to be recued ASAP! I read that SDZ is not planning on bringing in any more elephants right now, but I feel that they need to get Queenie out of there on a stat basis. If not SDZ, then another zoo or sanctuary with the room, capability, love, and care can go and pick up Queenie to take to their home. I agree with Cinthia about the person that owned the so called circus—he needs to starve just like his animals starved. Maybe he will finally feel their pain of suffering!
Hopefully, something can be done to get Queenie out of Texas real soon. Fingers crossed and prayers!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
If the total exhibit is 2.4 acres and divided into three yards, how big is the largest yard? Thank you.
Well done to everyone who played a part in rescuing these lovely elephants, and to the SDZ for taking them in. They don’t have to worry when their next meal will be now. I too am worried about the remaining elephant and hope that the authorities will be keeping an eye on him to make sure the owner takes good care of her. We had a similar situation in the UK last week with film being taken of circus elephants being hit and crying in pain to get them to perform. There has been the usual outcry to stop this kind of thing but no-one seems to be bothered. It may help if people didn’t go to these places in the first place.
Hooray for the SDZ.
I am curious to know what the outcome will be with the other elephant, Boo, that is still at the ranch with the private owner? Are there plans for that one to come to the zoo as well? Why was he even allowed to stay and not be with any other elephants when it is known how very social these animals are?
Moderator’s note: Please understand that the San Diego Zoo was not involved in the decision to move these animals and does not have any information about other elephants in Texas.
I’m just curious …….. after their long truck ride, did the elephants get hosed down, and did they get straw to sleep on? A “soft” bed and a bath would feel good after a long trip. I’m glad to see them freed from their dismal life of the past.
Oh, how wonderful. I just love that you have rescued these two girls. What a life they will lead from now on with the love and support of SDZ.
What great news to have them out of there.
Thank you PAWS .
Isn’t there 1 more elephant there to rescue?
Thanks to SDZ for taking these beautiful sensitive girls. Treat them well.
I think an admirable amount of cooperation, time, effort and compassion went into this move. I am thankful to SDZ, IDA, PAWS, the USDA/APHIS and especially all the caring, thoughtful citizens who petitioned and wrote letters to rescue these 2 girls. (Now let’s get Queenie Boo out of there too!) I am overjoyed that the world is starting to wake up to the welfare of elephants, both in captivity and in the wild. We all have to work together for a day when these animals no longer suffer at the hands of humans.
Mark, you are right on with your understanding of elephants…..too bad other people “don’t get it”…………….elephants need room to roam……..FREELY……and decide for themselves……..who they want to be close to………………and not squashed in a small space…the wild animal park is such a better idea..that is what should of been made larger……….just let all the animals loose to do what they “normally” do in the wild ………..did anyone notice what Jewel and Tina are standing on in that picture CONCRETE…not good for their feet or legs……I really wish people would read the PAWS website and the ELEPHANT SANCTUARY in Tennessee on “what elephants need to be emotionally and physically well” and become educated and then when they go to a zoo they “really see” if an Elephant is being treated with their best interests in mind……like you said 3 acres for 9 elephants, are you insane!!!!!!
YES, LIN IS RIGHT. ALTHOUGH THESE ELEPHANTS ARE OUT OF A CIRCUS THEY ARE STILL IN A ZOO AND ZOOS ARE NOT THE GREATEST EITHER. VISIT THE ELEPHANT SANCTUARY IN TENNESEE. THEY KNOW HOW TO HELP AN ELEPHANT LIVE LIFE AS NORMAL AS POSSIBLE HERE IN THE UNITED STATES. YOU TOOK THE WORDS OUT OF MOUTH LIN. THANKU FOR SPEAKING UP ON THEIR BEHALF AS ALOT OF PEOPLE DON’T REALIZE ZOOS ARE NOT ALWAYS SUCH A GREAT IDEA, BUT A CIRCUS IS JUST HELL FOR AN ELEPHANT. ZOOS ALSO HAVE CHAINS AND ANKUSES.
It is great to see cooperation between agencies, and paws deserves credit for supplying yhe trailer, but I think that they could have given them more room. Treat them well!!
The moment these girls stepped out of the trailer their lives improved tenfold. Their life on the road is finally behind them. Now they will receive the proper nutrition and vet care they deserve. There is plenty enough room on this planet for both zoos and sanctuaries. I support both and have somehow managed to survive. If an institution meets the necessary standards, that’s all that matters. I suggest you focus your energy on the elephant who has been left with an individual who has no visible means of support. I wonder how much it costs to feed an elephant these days.
I am happy that Tina and Jewel are in a better place, however it deeply saddens me that Boo was left behind by herself. I hope Tina and Jewel can finally have the better life that they deserve.
Is the zoo keeping Tina and Jewel only temporarily? It seems awfully crowded to put 9 elephants, including an African and a bull together on just 2.4 acres…
Lin #41: We do understand what you are saying however from what I read – the girls were sent here because of the Medical care that SDZ is famous for. SDZ has experience dealing with elderly elephants and the issues/illnesses they can face therefore it was decided to bring them here to determine their state of health and their immediate needs. They also mentioned a sanctuary as a possibility in the future once their health needs were looked after.
I can’t speak for the accuracy of the article so feel free to correct me Moderators but that was how I understood it. It’s plain to see that these two girls are not 100%. Let’s allow the professionals here get them back to where they should be in terms of health and ensure they aren’t suffering from any longterm effects from years of neglect before any judgements are made. Sanctuaries also don’t have the medical expertise on sight to deal with any potential illness not to mention the funding to pay for their care – they typically rely on donations and medical costs can put quite a dent in an operating budget especially one that doesn’t know how much money will come in and when especially due to the recession.
Great job everyone.. this is an awesome news to have them out of there! Thank you so much:)
Sighs of relief are happening here, knowing that these two fine ladies are finally getting the care they deserve. Iam sure they will love their new “family”, as all elephants are peaceful, patient and loving…. it is only human mistreatment that makes them become violent.
Many thanks to IDA, the San Diego Zoo and everyone else who had a hand in releasing Tina and Jewel!
Congradulations to all those who helped in the campaign to remove Tina And Jewel from their disgustingly cruel owner and transporting them to SDZ. However, the SDZ facility should only be a temporary situation for these two companion elephants where they will be kept for only an interum period until they can be transferred larger quarters such as the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.
@RowanM: Once the herds are all comfortable with each other all 9 elephants will have access to the 2 and half acre facility along with the half acre elephant care center. It’s a complicated process, and the zoo can’t just put them together right away.
I wish you all know the truth behind this story of why they arrived there. It is truly a sad story. They were very well taken care of and no harm was ever done to them. I lived not to far from where they came from and our town truly misses them. I hope they get adjusted to their new home. You are truly missed.
I was glad to learn the elephants wound up at your zoo, one of the best in the United States, rather than that place in Tennessee.
The only time I ever saw them was at a Shrine Circus which wasraising money for the free children’s hospitals. that was a few years back.
BTW, all of these elephants are over 40 years old and I think one is 52. Doubt they will be reproducing.
The vet checked them regularly and they were given a clean bill of health. Polk County Animal Control officers said there were no signs of abuse or neglect.
As far as room to move around, people in the Leggett area often saw the elephants and the owner taking their walks through the East Texas woods.
I don’t know about elephants, but many animals shed some pounds during the long, hot Texas summer. It’s a normal thing to do. Even my cats and dogs, while they spend a lot of time indoors in the A/C, still do not eat as much and slim down in the summer. This has been a very hot summer, rivaling records set in 1909.
um, actually the yards all together are about 7 and 1/2 acres, no one has stated that yet.
Thank you for the (fast) video update on Tina and Jewel. I’m so happy to see them eating and looking happy. I agree with others, ban all animal circus acts. Isn’t the Elephant Odyssey about 7.5 acres? I just visited the zoo and WOW is that a great looking exhibit, plus we ate lunch at the Sabretooth Cafe. You’re so close to the elephants & who can say they had lunch next to an elephant…..
I’m glad jewel and boo are at a zoo that seems to really care about them and not at some sanctuary that was planned for them. Both elephants were well taken care of, and I can say that first hand because I work at the vets office that watched over them. I wish the best luck for boo and jewel and hope that they will be able to see their previous owner at some point because he truley cared for them and did every thing possible to care for them. Good luck and take good care of them. Much love girls.
There’s not better place for these two girls to end up then the San Diego Zoo. Seriously brings tears to my eyes. I’m glad they are in your care ! Thanx for the story, and the introduction to the ladies.
I’m so sorry no one on this site really knows what went on in Texas with these girls. I read the report that lady wrote to the USDA back in 2007, and most everything she refers to is before the current owner took possession of them. The current owner was loving these girls, and taking good care of them. They were being fed daily and often enjoyed by many of the neighbors. Not only did he care for these elephants, but he sought the help of many vets and specialists to assist him. It was only recently discovered by a specialist what was causing the one elephant to lose weight. Apparently her back teeth are growing crooked and will need some work done on them. Given the time to fix the problem, I’m sure it would have been taken care of, but since it was only discovered two weeks ago, I don’t think that was appropriate time.
Too bad there are now 9 elephants on 3 acres! Gee, and ya’ll thought it was bad that this guy in Texas had 3 elephants on two acres. Seem like alot more space to me! Yes, I am from Texas, but no I don’t know the man, just got my attention and I’ve been reading all the reports that I can find on it.
Good luck Jewel and Tina, you will be greatly missed down here in Texas!
Although I have not visited the SDZ since last year, I took a look at the new exhibit, on the website and always check in on the elephant cam to catch a glimps of them. Despite some protests on here about adding 2 new elephants, and the amount of space they have to roam. I gotta say, the elephants at the SDZ seem to look pretty darn happy to me, and have more space to roam, then other captive elephants at a few other non mentionable zoos, I must say. Not to mention, Jewel and Tina were chained to tree stumps if I read the news story correctly. What kind of life is that ? Here at the SDZ no matter how big the acreage, they get to roam and and walk around on their own free will. I’m unclear as to why some on here are upset by this. The SDZ is one of the better zoos out there, and they have shown they care about their animals, and they are very well taken care of. Hats off to the SDZ for taking them in. Again, they couldnt have come to a better place!
Look at the big picture folks!!! the quality of life that this move to the sdz has brought these two elephants has now vastly improved. in a perfect world all elephants and other creatures would roam free without human intrusion but this isn’t a perfect world. I feel we are lucky to have an institution like the sdz. over the years, this zoo had evolved in order to provide a more natural/enriching environment for its charges while still being mindful of its human visitors. they provide to us a window into another world and because of this we humans have learned to care about something other than ourselves….my hats off to the sdz and other organizations who strive to educate us.
Lainie (#59)–You are right–the elephants that you see on the web cam are happy. These are the African elephants that reside at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park that were rescued from starvation and euthanasia in Swaziland years ago. Since they arrived they have put on good weight and grown a lot (they all were juveniles about 12 years old at that time). They have also had five births and as you can see the babies are all thriving. In addition three of the ladies are pregnant and due sometime next year. They are also going to double the size of their enclosure. Hopefully there may be a web cam up at Elephant Odyssey someday.
Having visited Elephant Odyssey more than once since it opened let me reassure you all that the elephants there have plenty of room to roam, lots of shade, plenty of pools. tons of food and devoted keepers. It is a long process to merge two elephant herds and it requires a lot of patience on our part and trust that nothing will be done before it is time. They may be separated initially, but they can see smell and hear each other very well. And if you sit at the Sabertooth Grill long enough you can also see that they are constantly being alternated in which area they are in and given enrichment daily. Remember, these elephants are all older and don’t really roam as much as the younger ones at the Wild Animal Park with babies to look after and follow. I wish you could all see how wonderful Elephant Odyssey really is. Everything was done when building it to put in the best for these precious pachyderms from special soft ground to an amazing health center.
I think that Tina and Jewel if they do stay will truly believe they have reached Nirvana. Give the zoo the credit that they deserve for all that they are doing to save these two ladies to their work in the field and support of Elephants Without Borders.
I agree–I will not go to a circus or a rodeo for that matter and I know that some zoos are little more than prisons, but that does not apply to the San Diego Zoo or San Diego Wild Animal Park–they are constantly researching and applying gained knowledge to further the conservation of all animals both in the Zoo and the wild.
Blessed Be All of Them Always With Love, judy j
kittycat (#60)
Double Ditto!!
#61 Judy J. – + 1 on everything you said ! =) I too am against the circus and hate to see it when the circus comes to my town (L.A.) and they parade the elephants through downtown Los Angeles early in the morning before their first show. I have nothing but admiration for everyone who gets to care for these beautiful animals every day at the SDZ. Tina and Jewel are very lucky. Hope something can be done about Boo, soon, so she is not lonely.
I am glad they are out of the deplorable situation that they were in but I wish they could have either gone to PAWS or TES….they would have been spoiled and pampered at TES or PAWS and theses ladies have earned pampering with the horrible life they have been forced to live…no slam on the zoo but TES has I think 2700 acres for the retired eles there and PAWS about 2500 acres…and the eles there seem to be indescribably happy . I guess we can’t have an ideal situation though…I am grateful they are gone from Willie Davenport but my heart breaks still for Queenie(Boo) to be stuck there tied to a tree with the circle in the dirt like people who put their dog on a chain and tie it up for life.
I hope Jewel and Tina are doing well. I’m so glad that they were removed from that abusive situation. It was so good to see them eating so freely in the video. Jewel is so thin. I have a question; you stated that that they have some foot pad problems. Does the quarantine area have concrete floors or are they rubber? I understand that concrete floors can worsen foot problems in captive elephants and it looks like it will be quite awhile until they can go outside on the sandy substrate.
I live in Texas and was horrified and ashamed to hear about these poor elephants. I am so grateful to the feds for taking action and to the SDZ for giving them a home!
“Lainie (#59)–You are right–the elephants that you see on the web cam are happy. These are the African elephants that reside at the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park that were rescued from starvation and euthanasia in Swaziland years ago. Since they arrived they have put on good weight and grown a lot (they all were juveniles about 12 years old at that time). They have also had five births and as you can see the babies are all thriving…”
They have had six births, five of the babies are thriving, and sadly Lungile’s daughter died despite the best efforts of her mother and the SDZ.
“…In addition three of the ladies are pregnant and due sometime next year. They are also going to double the size of their enclosure. Hopefully there may be a web cam up at Elephant Odyssey someday.”
I hope so too!
“…Having visited Elephant Odyssey more than once since it opened let me reassure you all that the elephants there have plenty of room to roam, lots of shade, plenty of pools. tons of food and devoted keepers. It is a long process to merge two elephant herds and it requires a lot of patience on our part and trust that nothing will be done before it is time. They may be separated initially, but they can see smell and hear each other very well. And if you sit at the Sabertooth Grill long enough you can also see that they are constantly being alternated in which area they are in and given enrichment daily…”
That sounds like the advice I’ve seen for introducing a new pet to one’s other pets at home. Is it?
“…I too am against the circus and hate to see it when the circus comes to my town (L.A.) and they parade the elephants through downtown Los Angeles early in the morning before their first show…”
Those parades are dangerous for people too. But I’m not “against the circus,” since some circuses like Cirque du Soleil don’t use animals in the first place. Meanwhile I have seen some ridiculous people on a circus forum whine about Cirque du Soleil not using animals!
I know I’m a couple of days late but I only saw the blog entry yesterday and I got distracted by the Polar Bear entry before I got to read the elephant one. I’m glad Tina and Jewel were rescued and brought to the SDZ. It’s so very important for elephants to have good care if they’re in a captive environment.
Tina and Jewel will have a much better life at the SDZ than with that person in Texas and I can only hope Boo will be removed from his care as well. Maybe she can go to the sanctuary in Tennessee.
Although I am happy to see these lovely girls out of their former situation I do not feel that a zoo is the proper place for them. Three acres for nine elephants is obscene. Thanks to PAWS for seeing them safely to their new home.
If Jewel and/or Tina test positive for TB, what will you do with them? They can’t be integrated with the other elephants then, can they? I heard that they might have TB and that is why they are so thin. Just wondering.
Yes, Judy K (#65), all the floors are at the Elephant Care Center in Elephant Odyssey are rubber, not concrete. And as for being pampered, all the elephants get personalized foot baths twice a day, pedicures every week, lots of stimulation, and round-the-clock loving attention. At the San Diego Zoo, no hooks (ankuses) or chains are EVER used on the elephants and they’re never forced into doing things they’re not ready to do, like present parts of their bodies for examination or care, go from one enclosure to another, etc. All of those behaviors are trained using positive reinforcement; the elephants do them willingly and are amply rewarded. Hooray for the elephants and elephant keepers at the SDZ!
Thank God they are at the Zoo and will be very well taken care of!!!!!!
Im a real fan of the SDZoo as I was born in SD CA and spent all my weekends at the Zoo and watching the old Seal Shows most of my childhood years then had children and we still spent most of our time at the Zoo, Sea World and Lion Safari. I now live in Utah and a sincere animal advocate for Elephants and do what ever I can to save wildlife from entertainment and as pets.
Im very Grateful for USDA to have finally convicated Tina and Jewel but Queenie (BOO) being left behind has really confused me and feel so bad for her.
Thank You PAWS for the comfortable Elephant Trailor ride for the girls as if it were not for you the girls couldnt have traveled together and arrived at San Diego Zoo so safely. PAWS knows how often to break for the elephants, feed and water them and treat them with lots of love and respect.
Thank You SDZoo for taking these lovely abused girls to your elephant housing and giving them the love and medical care they so need.
I wished we had a hint of where these elephants will go from here and if Queenie will be rescued soon.
Sincere thanks to the San Diego Zoo for taking in Tina and Jewel and giving them such
great care. I hope they have many healthy years ahead of them.
I hope and pray for Queenie’s (Boo) rescue next.
Ruth that is wonderful to know that no bullhooks are used only positive reinforcement by rewarding is so awsume.
There are so many Zoos that still practice free contact by the use of chains and bullhooks and never receive love and respect and it is though they are being punished for being there.
I would have to say that out of all the Zoo’s SDZ is the best for a Zoo.
I wonder in the new Odessey Elephant Exhibit why they did not use California Palm Trees as they are tall and when planted in 3′s they are a beautiful shade tree and would look more natural then the UTILITREES (Canopies).
To keep the elephant from knocking the trees down other zoos use fencing around the trunk. Oh well it is still wonderful that Tina and Jewel are receiving good medical treatment and getting plenty of attention which where they came from there was neither.
So many people judge any zoo about how animals are held in capitivity. Some and I say SOME zoos are horrible and should be closed down. If it wasnt for the SD Zoo and the SD Wild Animal Park, the majority of these animals would no longer be living in the wild. They have done so much to help animals not become extinct. Where would these two elephants be if they were not taken to the zoo? At least they will now have a proper diet and medical staff caring for them. Where they came from was horrible conditions. Now their chance of survival has increased.
Thank you SD Zoo and SD Wild Animal Park for all you do!!
I think we should give the SDZ some credit here. They are one of the first facilities( WAPtoo) to go Protected Contact back in the late 1990s. The Barns were modified as well as the exhibits. All the Elephants do NOT have a Ankus or Chains at night. Each one has thier own stall at night. Everything is done on Positive Reinforecment/ Operant Conditioning.
I am a San Diego native myself and watched the WAP grow and develop over the last 15 years.
I am happy to see that Ranchi got moved to the zoo and now has a pool to swim in and more internaction.
The Elephant Sanctuary is Wonderful in Lewis County Tennenssee. I visited there years ago and it is amazing. There they use Passive Training.
Elephants are amazing creatures and they do form bonds with one another, make friends, grieve just like humans.
have a great day!
C
I was very happy to learn that these elephants have finally found a good home. But PLEASE let’s not forget about Queenie, the third female elephant that was together with Jewel and Tina and that was left behind. She needs to be rescued too!
WISH THE BEST FOR ALL THE GIRLS and RANCHI at ELEPHANT ODESSY!
Will The Profiles of the New Elephants be online soon? ( Cha Cha, Ranchi, Mary, Cookie etc?)
San Diego native
Moderator’s note: Profiles of the Elephant Odyssey elephants are already available at http://www.elephantodyssey.com/elephants/
I want to clarify that donna 58 is not me donna at 64…so i’ll add an a
I have had the pleasure of knowing Tina and Jewel since very well for almost ten years and am very happy to see them going somewhere where they can enjoy retirement. The gentleman I worked for, who was not the person who had them right before they came there loved them dearly and provided them a great life before they ended up where they were before the zoo. I know you guys are going to give them the best of care and love them to death, theyre both really sweet elephants. Thanks for giving the babies a great home.
I just fond this forum about Tina and Jewell. I think its great. If any one wants to know any thing about Tina and Jewell I have the back ground info. My name is Adam Hill I was the elephant trainer that had them before the person they were confiscated from. I had them on Cole Bros. Circus from 2000 to 2003. Then My wife and I had them as indapendent elephant act in 04 and 05. after that they were sold in 06 and I didn’t have them anymore. I was very sad to loose the they were like my daughters and I miss them tremendously.
Adam Hill
I have just watched the videos of Tina and Jewell. I am very HAPPY to see they are doing so well. Jewell has had that problem with the #4 toe on her left foot ever since I started with them in 2000. I have had many expert elephant vets try and help me to cure that toe but as you can see to no avail. I hope you have better luck. The elephants did not spend much time on concrete in the years I was incharge of their care. We were on mostly grass and dirt witch we all know is good for elephant feet. When we were on concrete of ashphalt I would use a lot of pine shavings to make them more comfortable. I also had Bessie who was a lot older elephant and had some arthritis. I treated her with Addaquin to aleveate any swelling or pain Bessie might have had. Plus lots of exercise. Jewell was about 7200 lb. in 2000 and graduly gaind weight to just under 7900lb in 2004. I changed their diet when I started with Cole in 2000. Their Diet consisted of hay, sweet feed (grain), apples, carrots, cracked corn, bread, mazuri(elephant suppliment), and we had brouz (tree limbs) in each town wating for us. That served two purporus, One: for more vitemin E Two: enrichment. I hope this will answer any questions someone might have.
Adam Hill
Hello and thanks for this great blog about Tina and Jewell! I have known Adam Hill since he was on the road with Ringling. He is very devoted to Tina and Jewell and even though he’s not with them as their trainer and friend, he is always watchful of their care.
I spent 16 weeks on the road with Tina and Jewell a few seasons ago when they were with Adam Hill. I have never worked alongside someone so professional and so devoted to the animals in his care.
I hope that they will both receive that level of constant care, attention and love again while in San Diego.
I have been a vet tech for 35 years and was totally amazed every time the circus came to town at the level of care and concern that Adam Hill gave to his “children”. He lived and breathed with them every waking moment.
I particularly enjoyed the way one of them “knocked” on the trailer by throwing a tire when they wanted him to come out. I watched quietly one day as one of these elephants called him outside and rubbed and wrapped her trunk around him. She just wanted his human contact….and his sandwich.
I have never obtained that sort of connection with any one of the horses I have trained. They always seemed glad to see me but they never went out of their way to call me out to the paddocks. Super kind and considerate person and elephant handler.
I hope his children are safe and happy where they are at. I know he would love to be with them.