‘Mila’, our 41 year old ex-circus African elephant, has just been successfully transferred to the San Diego Zoo. It was a massive undertaking that was only made possible by the cooperation of a large number of people. We offer our heartfelt thanks to all of them.
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- Mila in her crate being loaded
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- Mila in quarantine
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- Mila can hear, smell & talk to the other elephants
The team at the San Diego Zoo has been especially amazing in providing world class care for “Mila,” both during transport and upon arrival.
Mila arrived safe and well at San Diego Zoo on 14th November 2013 on a specially chartered 747 400 from Auckland. Her safe arrival was due to the efforts of many people dedicated to ensuring the best possible future life for this much loved elephant. The move was made possible by the efforts of New Zealand citizens and companies donating to the cause and thereby allowing the Franklin Zoo Charitable Trust to employ world experts to ensure Mila had the best people to prepare her for her move, provide logistics and transportation arrangements and provide expert elephant veterinary care.
Mila is currently in the San Diego’s zoo’s Prebys Elephant Care Center in quarantine being cared for by the elephant staff of both San Diego and Franklin Zoo. While in quarantine she is physically separated from other elephants but she is able to communicate with and smell the herd. Eventually, animal care staffers hope to slowly introduce Mila to the zoo’s other female elephants.