SEATTLE - Woodland Park Zoo and Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium each has a long-term commitment to proactive elephant management and periodically assesses the elephant management programs at their respective facilities. Over the past year, the two institutions have discussed the potential transfer of Woodland Park’s female Asian elephant, 38-year-old Bamboo, to Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium. Bamboo will join the Tacoma zoo’s existing herd of two Asian females: 39-year-old Suki (soo-key) and 41-year-old Hanako (HAH-nuh-koe). The goal of the move is to optimize the social environment for both herds. The transfer is planned for this spring.

Woodland Park’s herd will be reduced to three: Asian elephant 26-year-old Chai (rhymes with eye), 4-year-old Hansa (HUN-suh), the calf of Chai, and African elephant 36-year-old Watoto
(wah-TOE-toe).

According to Woodland Park Zoo Curator of Mammals Bruce Upchurch, who has worked directly with elephants at both Woodland Park and Point Defiance, the relationship between Bamboo and Watoto has rarely been one of support and companionship. “It has been a relationship of tolerance and avoidance,” explained Upchurch. “Additionally, Bamboo occasionally has displayed aggressive behavior toward Hansa and does not appear to have the skills necessary to safely play a constructive role within a herd with young calves.” Bamboo’s unpredictable behavior poses a significant challenge to managing the four elephants as one integrated herd.

“ The decision to move Bamboo presents a win-win situation for her and for both zoos,” said Woodland Park Zoo General Curator Dr. Nancy Hawkes. “A new home at Point Defiance will allow Bamboo to be with a herd on a near constant basis. We are highly confident in the expertise, passion, and professionalism that Point Defiance has to offer Bamboo, and it’s our expectation she will be more compatible with their adult Asian elephants.”

At Point Defiance, Bamboo will have daily access to a 1-acre yard with water features and a modern elephant barn with capacity for three elephants. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) recommends a minimum of three elephants to a herd for their social well being.

“ Bamboo has shown the ability to interact well with other adult Asian females,” said Point Defiance Deputy Director John Houck. “We feel confident in her ability to do well with the elephants at Point Defiance, and we believe her presence will enhance our herd’s social dynamics.”

Houck also noted that the proximity of the Seattle and Tacoma zoos will allow the Seattle community to continue enjoying Bamboo and enable both zoo staffs to help ensure a smooth transition for Bamboo.

“ We will follow a methodical plan to introduce Bamboo to Suki and Hanako with the ultimate goal of successfully socializing all three elephants. We’ve done this before. We have expertise in working with difficult elephants and socializing them,” said Houck, referring to the Point Defiance staff's successful introduction of several female elephants, including Hanako and the dominant Suki.

Woodland Park and Point Defiance participate in the AZA’s Species Survival Plan (SSP) for elephants, a cooperative breeding program in North American zoos to manage and expand the populations of endangered species. “We are dedicated to continuing our long-term commitment to the SSP for elephants and the SSP has recommended we breed Chai again, through artificial insemination,” said Hawkes. The SSP also has approved the transfer of Bamboo to Point Defiance.

Both Point Defiance and Woodland Park are accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) and adhere to strict AZA guidelines and requirements that ensure the highest standards of animal care and husbandry practices. Collectively, the Tacoma and Seattle zoos have more than 120 years experience in managing elephants with a team of highly dedicated professionals.

Bamboo was born in the wild in Thailand in about 1967 and has lived at Woodland Park since she was approximately a year old. When Bamboo first arrived, she lived for several years in the Children’s Zoo in the Family Farm before being moved to the old Elephant House. She currently weighs an estimated 8,370 pounds and is in good health.

Accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, award-winning Woodland Park Zoo is famed for pioneering naturalistic exhibits and setting a standard for zoos all over the world. The zoo is helping to save endangered species in Washington state and around the world. By inspiring visitors and others to care and act, Woodland Park Zoo is making a difference in our planet’s future.

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium promotes responsible stewardship of the world’s resources through education, conservation, research and recreational opportunities. The zoo is accredited by the American Zoo and Aquarium Association, a leader in global wildlife conservation.

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