The Oakland Zoo is preparing to say a poignant farewell to its last remaining elephant, monumental 30-year-old Osh, who will be moving to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee this fall. This move, although heartbreaking, promises to offer Osh the social environment and companionship that his species needs to thrive. Once Osh departs, it will be the first time in 75 years that the zoo will be without elephants.
Osh's departure follows the zoo's decision last September to send its 44-year-old female elephant, Donna, to the same sanctuary after the passing of her companion, Lisa. Left lonely, the zoo recognized that elephants, highly social creatures, fare better within a herd. Despite efforts by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) to find suitable companions for Osh within a year, no matches were found, leaving the zoo with the difficult choice of moving him as well.
The travel arrangements for Osh are meticulously planned out. He will be transported in a specially designed, air-conditioned trailer to ensure his comfort during the 40-hour drive to Tennessee. Standing at 11 feet tall and weighing 15,000 pounds, Osh will have enough space and amenities to make the long journey less stressful. The Oakland Zoo’s animal care team will be holding voluntary training sessions to get Osh accustomed to the process, ensuring a smooth transition.
This change marks not only an end of an era for the Oakland Zoo but also the beginning of a new chapter for Osh. At The Elephant Sanctuary, he will have the opportunity to socialize and build relationships with other elephants, an important aspect of elephant well-being that could not be fully offered in Oakland.
Colleen Kinzley, vice president of animal care, conservation and research at the Oakland Zoo, expressed her mixed emotions on this decision.
