Controversies
On November 30, 2009 Tara, the Zoo's largest creature, died. She was found lying down when staff arrived in the morning and was unable to be raised to her feet. Tara was the third elephant in 14 months to die at the Zoo and fourth in three years. The Zoo has planned a major expansion of the Zoo exhibit and indoor quarters, to accommodate the existing herd and any new elephants, perhaps the result of breeding. Board of Management minutes from October, 2009 indicate a concern that the condition of the elephant exhibit might cause the Zoo to lose its Association of Zoos & Aquariums (AZA) accreditation.
Elephant deaths preceding Tara's:
- June 2009: Tessa, knocked to the ground by another elephant, unable to stand unassisted after being raised to her feet by staff and equipment.
- September 2008: Tequila, cause of death not released.
- July 2006: Patsy, euthanized due to long-term degenerative arthritis
In the days following Tara's death both Zoocheck Canada and U.S.-based In Defence of Animals called for the Zoo to close the exhibit and send the remaining three elephants to a sanctuary.
Read more about this topic: Toronto Zoo