National Post

Toronto Zoo votes to retire elephants
The Toronto Zoo has decided to relocate its three aging elephants and shut down its 37-year-old pachyderm program.

The zoo’s board voted on Thursday in favour of placing Toka, Thika and Iringa in an accredited zoo. If that fails, the chairman said there is still a chance the three females could go to an animal sanctuary, as many — from city councillors to television personality Bob Barker — have urged.

Either way, it could be as long as two years before they go anywhere, given the amount of preparation, training and permits required to transport the massive animals to another home, perhaps across the border. The board has also asked staff to look at possibly building a virtual, interactive elephant exhibit in place of the real thing. Elephants have been a part of the Toronto Zoo since it opened in 1974. (Photo: Tyler Anderson/National Post)