There is a group trying to move El Paso’s elephants to Tennessee and gain City Council’s approval to do so.  That would mean our children and citizens would not have the opportunity to see live elephants at the El Paso Zoo.  An item to remove our elephants will be held during a special public City Council Meeting on Wednesday, July 27, 2005 at 9:00am. We need as many El Paso Zoological Society Members and El Paso citizens as possible to attend this meeting.   

Here are some facts you need to know: 

1. According to the American Zoo and Aquarium Association (AZA) the EL PASO ZOO has excellent elephant facilities which are comparable to some of the best facilities in the country.  Recent new facilities at Lowry Park, Bush Gardens and Disney Animal Kingdom used input and elements from the EL PASO ZOO in their design and equipment installation!
 
2. The EL PASO ZOO undergoes regular US Department of Agriculture and AZA inspections, and exceeds AZA standards for elephant care facilities.  Exterior and indoor space significantly exceeds the required space for THREE elephants (El Paso has TWO).  The Zoo uses protected contact method of management and both animals are currently in good health!
 
3. Worldwide populations of elephants have been severely depleted and are facing extinction due to loss of the habitant and human encroachment.  The Zoo’s elephants are part of the Species Survival Plan.  The EL PASO ZOO is playing an important role in the effort to keep these animals from becoming extinct!

4. The Zoo’s elephants provide a focus for extensive educational, conservation and habitat preservation lectures to many local school groups and other individuals on an annual basis.  El Paso’s elephants are important to study and aid in worldwide conservation efforts to save elephants for future generations!
 
5. The elephant is the largest land mammal, and is not readily seen by many people!  Surveys show that seeing these great animals encourages people to help with their survival!
 
Contact your City Council Representatives NOW to let them know you want Savannah and Juno to remain in their home at the EL PASO ZOO. 

El Paso City Council

Mayor John Cook
2 Civic Center Plaza
El Paso, Texas 79901-1196
(915) 541-4015, Fax 541-4501
mayor@elpasotexas.gov

Rep. Ann Morgan Lilly
Dist. #1
(915) 541-4022, Fax 541-4380
district#1@elpasotexas.gov

Rep. Suzie Byrd
Dist #2
(915) 541-4996, Fax 541-4348
district#2@elpasotexas.gov 

Rep. Jose Alejandro Lozano
Dist #3
(915) 541-4572, Fax 541-4258 
district#3@elpasotexas.gov                            

Rep. Melina Castro
Dist #4   
(915) 541-4140, Fax 541-4213 district#4@elpasotexas.gov 

Rep. Presi Ortega
Dist #5
(915)  541-4701,  Fax 541-4360
district#5@elpasotexas.gov   

Rep. Eddie Holguin
Dist #6                                                                   
(915)  541-4182,  Fax 541-4262
district#6@elpasotexas.gov 

Rep. Steve Ortega
Dist #7 
(915) 541-4108, Fax 541-4134
district#7@elpasotexas.gov 

Rep. Beto O’Rouke
Dist #8
(915) 541-4123, Fax 541-4300
district#8@elpasotexas.gov