TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) The Topeka Zoo director is recommending the zoo keep its two elephants and improve their habitat.
Critics have been urging the zoo to send the elephants to a sanctuary in Tennessee. They contend the zoo does not provide enough space, causing the elephants physical and emotional harm.
Director Brendan Wiley recommended to the city council Tuesday that the city spend an initial $60,000 to improve the elephants’ habitat, plus another $30,000 per year. The changes would include installing more outdoor places to encourage the elephants to explore and act more like wild elephants.
Wiley says once the changes are made, the zoo could decide whether to expand the habitat to include more elephants.
The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the council will consider the program’s future at its next meeting.
