POWELL, Ohio — Two Asian elephants at the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium will soon be bidding farewell as they move to a new facility. But before they leave, the community still has time to say their goodbyes.
For more than 30 years, the elephant Connie has been a resident at the Columbus Zoo. She and her companion Hank will soon be moving to a different zoo. It has not yet been announced what zoo they will be moving to.
In honor of Connie's upcoming 50th birthday and the elephant's departure, the zoo held a special celebration on Saturday.
To honor Connie's "golden" birthday, staff created a special "Golden Girls"-inspired enrichment for her and Hank to enjoy. Pins and hand stamps were available for guests and photos of Connie throughout the years were available to view.
“Connie has been with us longer than any other elephant currently in our care, and we will miss her dearly,” said Adam Felts, senior curator of Animal Care and director of Animal Wellbeing. “We know, however, that this move is in the best interest of Connie and Hank, and we’re celebrating them both so our care team, volunteers, and all who love them can join us and be a part of this occasion.”
Connie first arrived at the Columbus Zoo from the San Diego Zoo Safari Park in 1992. Hank, born at Busch Gardens in Tampa in 1988, came to the Columbus Zoo in 2011.
Connie and Hank will move this summer to another zoo accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA).
The move follows a recommendation for Hank to continue contributing to efforts to help keep elephants in North American zoos genetically diverse through the Asian Elephant Species Survival Plan.
Because Connie is so closely bonded with Hank, the elephant care leadership team felt that it was in Connie and Hank’s best interest to keep them together.
Following Hank and Connie’s departure, the Columbus Zoo expects to welcome additional male elephants in the future. This includes Raja from the Saint Louis Zoo.
Additionally, in the coming months, male elephant Sabu will return to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden after arriving at the Columbus Zoo in 2022.