Guests invited to attend milestone 50th birthday party and share farewell wishes. Photo credits are contained in the file names example: Grahm S. Jones, Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. Now, as she prepares to embark on a new adventure with her close companion, male elephant Hank, the community is invited to join the Zoo for a celebration to show Connie, who will turn 50 later this year, and Hank just how much they mean to Central Ohioโฆand to the future of their species.
Pins and hand stamps will be available for guests, and fun and heartwarming photos of Connie throughout the years will be available for guests to view as they fondly reminisce. Staff at this facility are looking forward to welcoming them and will share this exciting announcement with their community soon. It is common for male elephants to move between herds in their native ranges, and zoos collaborate and work to replicate this natural behavior.
The decision to move Hank is also part of a larger AZA Elephant Strategic Plan to ensure elephants thrive in professional care and are around for future generations, supporting the overall survival of the species.
Felts said that Connie, who prefers to spend time romping in the mud whenever possible, often prefers the company of older elephants over rambunctious younger elephants in the herd like soon-to-be 3-year-old male, Frankie, and so she looks to Hank for companionship. His arrival date has not yet been determined, but he has been a well-loved member of the Saint Louis Zoo, where he sired three daughters. The Columbus Zoo looks forward to introducing him to the herd once the official move takes place.
The Columbus Zoo is deeply committed to working to save elephants in their native range and to contributing to a robust breeding program in North American zoos. The Columbus Zoo is a long-time supporter of several impactful Asian elephant organizations and programs such as the International Elephant Foundation.
