The Calgary Zoo has made the decision to move their group of Asian elephants within four to five years to a facility with more year round space.

The move will include all three female elephants, Kamala, Swarna, Maharani and her expected calf, and bull elephant Spike.

The females will be kept together with the calf because of the importance of the social structure with the elephant species.

There is no information on where they will be moved but the facility must provide for the following criteria:

  • The facility must accept all three adult females and the calf as a family unit.
  • It must participate in a breeding program that provides the elephants with the opportunity to participate in this fulfilling experience where possible and be part of a complex family group, and which supports the conservation of Asian elephants.
  • It must provide large acreage that is useable year-round.
  • It must be large enough to allow for an increased social group or herd size – minimum eight individuals.

The Calgary Zoo and the Miami Zoo, which still owns Spike, will be working together to find an appropriate facility for the elephant. It's likely he'll be moved before the females.

"This decision is all about animal welfare," said Calgary Zoo President and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Clément Lanthier in a release. "It was based on a growing acceptance and understanding of the importance of the social structure in elephant herds and the knowledge that their welfare is better served by being part of a large social group; something that can only be achieved at a facility with more year-round space than we can provide given the physical limitations of living on an island in a northern climate."

Lanthier says that the zoo has a limited area for expansion and it will not be able to expand the year-round space for the elephants.

Zoo officials say that they've chosen a lengthy time period to move the elephants because moving is a stressful experience for the animals.

Special consideration has been made on accommodating for the new calf.

"We know many people in Calgary will be as sad as we are regarding this decision, but we are confident that everyone wants only the best for the long-term welfare and care of these magnificent animals who have given us so much over the years," said Dr. Lanthier. "What we want people to understand is that the decision to move our elephants and the timing for the move is based solely on our commitment to their welfare."

While preparations are being made for the move, improvements will be made to the Elephant Crossing to accommodate the arrival of the new calf and continue the care of the elephants.

Elephants have been a part of the zoo for over 40 years.