There’s a new girl in town and she’s hanging out at the Toledo Zoo.

Twiggy the elephant made her debut at her new home in the zoo’s African Savannah May 7. The 25-year-old female African elephant, which arrived at the zoo in February, had been living in a private facility. When the U.S. Department of Agriculture determined that conditions there were not meeting her needs, they chose the Toledo Zoo to house her, due in part to its reputation for excellent elephant care.

When she arrived, she was noticeably thinner than other female elephants her age, and she exhibited certain stereotypic behaviors, most notably rocking. Twiggy underwent an initial quarantine period then began the process of being introduced to her new home and the zoo’s elephants, 7-year-old Louie and his mother, 31-year-old Renee.  Twiggy has been under the care of the zoo’s elephant and veterinary staff, receiving the ideal nutrition and foot care. In her time at the zoo, Twiggy has gained about 500 pounds and her behavior has demonstrated that she is adjusting very well to her new environment and level of care. In addition, her stereotypic behaviors have been markedly reduced.

The introductions are going very well, especially considering that Twiggy had not been in a social situation for quite a while, the zoo staff reports.

Twiggy has been living in the recently completed first phase of the zoo’s new elephant facility, which will offer the elephants great opportunities for enrichment, exercise and overall care. The facility was made possible through funding from the 2006 Capital Levy supported by Lucas County voters.

For more information, visit www.toledozoo.org or call 419- 385-4040.

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