Jumbo's out of the circus and living the good life

BY SEAMUS BOYER

Kapiti animal rights campaigners say their battle to save Jumbo the elephant has proved worthwhile, with news the former circus performer is making big strides in her rehabilitation.

The 37-year-old African elephant caused a stir in Paraparaumu when she appeared in the Loritz Circus in 2008, with a group of local protestors unhappy with her treatment.

Jumbo has since been retired from circus work. She has spent the last six months at Franklin Zoo in Tuakau, south of Pukekohe, where she is doing well.

Local animal rights campaigner Judy Morley-Hall, who led the Kapiti protest against Loritz Circus, said last week she was delighted with Jumbo's progress.

She said it was likely the Paraparaumu protests helped end the elephant's suffering.

Franklin Zoo director Helen Schofield said Jumbo had regular interaction with zoo staff to get her back in mental and physical shape after 28 years in the circus, and to "future-proof" her against a possible move abroad.

"Our dream is to send her on to a sanctuary so she can live with other elephants - there are some good options in the US  however, we have a way to go yet by getting her ready physically and mentally."

Construction is underway on new winter housing for the elephant, which would include a heated barn with a large sandpit, and covered washing and training areas.

Water-heating equipment would also be installed, because Jumbo had shown a dislike to the park's cool winter water. The barn will complement the large outdoor area where the SPCA-owned elephant lives, plays with branches, wallows in mud and sleeps in a sandpit at her leisure.

SPCA chief executive Robyn Kippenberger said her organisation was no longer fundraising for Jumbo on behalf of Franklin Zoo but, as owner, was involved in talks to decide the elephant's future.

She said if Jumbo did not end up overseas it was possible she could remain at Franklin Zoo, where she had proven very popular with visitors.

- Kapiti Observer