Twiggy the Elephant Debuts in Zoo?s New Elephant Facility

Daily Dose  |  05/12/2010 7:00 am

There’s a new girl in town as Twiggy the elephant makes her debut at The Toledo Zoo! Twiggy is a 25-year-old female African elephant who arrived at the Zoo in February. Beginning Friday, May 7, your family can come welcome her to her new home in the Zoo’s African Savanna!
 
Prior to her arrival at The Toledo Zoo, Twiggy had been living in a private facility. When the United States Department of Agriculture determined that conditions there were not meeting her needs, they chose the Zoo to house her, due in part to its reputation for excellent elephant care. When she arrived, she was noticeably thinner than other female elephants her age, and she exhibited certain stereotypic behaviors, most notably rocking. Twiggy underwent an initial quarantine period then began the process of being introduced to her new home and the Zoo’s elephants, 7-year-old Louie and his mother, 31-year-old Renee.  
 
Twiggy has been under the care of the Zoo’s elephant and veterinary staff, receiving the ideal nutrition and first-rate foot care. In her time at the Zoo, Twiggy has gained about 500 pounds, and her behavior has demonstrated that she is adjusting very well to her new environment and level of care. In addition, her stereotypic behaviors have been markedly reduced. The introductions are going very well, especially considering that Twiggy had not been in a social situation for quite a while.
 
Twiggy has been living in the recently completed first phase of the Zoo’s new elephant facility. This new facility will enable the Zoo to ensure the well-being of Twiggy, Louie and Renee, offering great opportunities for enrichment, exercise and overall care for these majestic animals. This facility was made possible through the generosity of Lucas County voters, who approved the Zoo’s 2006 Capital Levy.
 
The Toledo Zoo is open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (10 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekends in May) and is located on the Anthony Wayne Trail (US 25), four miles south of downtown Toledo. For more information, please visit www.toledozoo.org or call (419) 385-4040. Lucas County residents are admitted free of charge each Monday from 10 a.m. to noon. ID showing proof of residency is required.