Packing and Unpacking Pachyderms
Posted at 3:50 pm April 27, 2009 by Rick SchwartzWe’ve all been waiting for it: the elephants have been in training; keepers and trainers have been working long-long hours; construction workers have been, well, constructing. And as of Saturday, it was done!
That’s right, on Saturday I was able to watch as the historic event of four magnificent Asian elephants (Ranchipur, Cha Cha, Mary, and Cookie) moved from the San Diego Zoo’s Wild Animal Park to the Zoo’s new Elephant Odyssey exhibit. Once they were all in, the trumpeting and rumbling began as everyone (humans included) celebrated the first group of animals to call Elephant Odyssey home.
Thanks to a dedicated team that includes (but far from limited to) trainers, keepers, veterinary staff, curators, operations staff, security, an amazing team of crane operators, and truck drivers and an escort provided by our local law enforcement, the move went very smoothly.
First thing in the morning the elephants went through their morning training sessions at the Wild Animal Park, which include walking into the elephant-sized crates like they do every morning. This time was a little different, of course, because they were asked to stay in the crates and then loaded onto the flatbed trucks that were going to take them 35 miles south to the San Diego Zoo. Everyone did quite well, and thanks to a very dedicated and experienced staff, every detail was well thought out well before the day even started.
Upon arrival to the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey, the crew went to work immediately to unload the crates and let the elephants get acquainted with their new home. Cha Cha and Ranchipur were first, followed by Mary and Cookie. The elephants occasionally trumpeted and rumbled their approval as they enjoyed their dinner of hay, tree branches, yams, apples, and carrots. The staff, though not able to break for dinner yet, congratulated each other as they watched the very first residents of Elephant Odyssey settle in.
It wasn’t until the sun was setting that the first wave of us started to make our way home. (Of course, the overnight staff had already been there a while and was just getting started with their shift.) As I walked through the Zoo, empty of guests due to the late hour, it dawned on me the historic significance of the day: First, the largest exhibit in the San Diego Zoo’s history is one (large) step closer to opening. Second, we have also witnessed what can be accomplished with the dedication and planning of an amazing staff and the support of our members and community.
Rick Schwartz is the San Diego Zoo’s Elephant Odyssey Ambassador.
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April 27th, 2009 at 4:30 pm
How exiting for all of you and what a great feeling of accomplishment you must all feel. I am sure the Elephants will all enjoy their new home and that must make you feel so fulfilled. God made special people like you to take care of his creatures and I envy you your very import work of doing for are precious creatures. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I am looking forward to seeing them in their new home and hope we will be able to see on cam. Thanks again and you are very, very special people.
April 27th, 2009 at 4:36 pm
Wow, I am glad it all worked out well, and the the four from the WAP are settling in nicely. I am assuming the elephant exhibit is completely finished?
Rick, do you know the square footage of the new jaguar exhibit?
April 27th, 2009 at 5:07 pm
Have they met the other Eeohants yet? Are any of the keepers fromWAP staying at the Zoo. The LA tTimes had a very good article on the travelers on Sat.
April 27th, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Hi, Rick! Congrats on the move of the 4 elephants to Elephant Odyssey! Sounds like the elephants are loving their new home so far. I went back to the previous blogs, and found the one that was written about Asian elephants Devi and Sumithi, and African elephant Tembo. Big question is this: When will you be moving Tembo, Devi, and Sumithi to Elephant Odyssey?
Also, we haven’t heard anything about the new calf in over a month since he was born! How is the calf doing, eating good, growing, gaining weight, and what’s his new name? We need a brand new update about him ASAP! With new pics of the new calf with Punga, Khosi, Kamile, and Moose! Any news of any of the other mother elephants being pregnant lately?
Well, that’s all for now. Write back with the new update, ok? Looking forward to that!
Chari Mercier
St. Pete, FL
April 27th, 2009 at 9:52 pm
HEy is there someplace i can see some pics of the moveing day?
April 28th, 2009 at 7:10 am
Hi Rick – My congratulations to you, the staff and everyone involved in this historic event of moving the four Asian elephants to their new home at the San Diego Zoo. I was happy to read how well everything worked out during moving day. I especially enjoyed the news about the elephants trumpeting with joy upon their arrival at the Zoo. I’m sure they were happy to get their feet back on solid ground.
Thank you Rick for all your informative blogs. Your updates have helped me follow the progress of Elephant Odyssey and the significant training and care that the elephants required in making this move possible. It is truly an amazing story.
We’re looking forward to our Elephant Odyssey visit, and we hope to see you there.
April 28th, 2009 at 9:42 am
Connie – Thanks for those kind words, it is very much a work of passion for all of us!
Taylor – My records show the jaguar exhibit measures over 2,500 square feet.
April 28th, 2009 at 10:37 am
Are you concerned about the 2 different Asian groups bonding into one herd? Will anything be done to ease them into all being together? How exciting they will have new friends.
April 28th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Thanks Rick, That is very decently sized enclosure and larger than Miami’s two brand-new jaguar enclosures.
April 28th, 2009 at 2:21 pm
George – Keepers are staying with their elephants during the transition to EO and most of them will be staying at the Zoo full time.
Chari – The baby is doing well from what I have heard. I hope to get information on him soon, maybe even a blog from the keepers as they have more first-hand knowledge of how he’s doing/growing.
Deric – I am not sure if anything is posted. I’ll let you know as soon as I see something.
Rose – Glad to hear that you are enjoying my blog posts. I have been pretty busy, but try to keep everyone up to date as much as I can!
Lee – Our animal care staff have been doing animal introductions for decades. The amount of knowledge between the keepers is outstanding. The knowledge about each individual they care for and the overall knowledge about the species helps them with these introductions. And yes, we are all quite excited!
April 29th, 2009 at 1:14 pm
Congratulations to keepers and staff at both the WAP and SDZ on a job well done to bring four lovely elephants into their new home. Now the next step in the fun begins as they meet their three new “family” members who will ultimately share their new home with them.
Excellent news!!
April 29th, 2009 at 5:25 pm
Hi Rick,
Thank you so much for all your updates and answers to personal questions! It can’t be easy being as busy as you must be, but it is so very much appreciated!
What you and the wonderful staff have accomplished with these precious pachyderms is proof that above all, these things–kindness, love, patience and trust–are essential in their care and well being. Blessings to you all for all of these things. May all go as well when you transfer the Zoo family to their new home. That will definitely be an exciting day!! Talk about enrichment!
We are so eager to see them all together in EO. See you on May 23.
Blessed Be With Love, judy j
May 5th, 2009 at 10:03 am
great work to an army of dedicated people. such planning and precision went into everything that you did! now everyone can stand back and be proud of each and every accomplishment that each one of you contributed!! I wish that the SDZ was within my reach to visit whenever I chose. but, since it isn’t , the zoo cam will have to be my connection to the EO! thanks for our cams to stay connected and amused.