Thanks to Kim Brower for finding this. As Kim says, "This is interesting. In 1998, the zoo sent Tina on a holiday; it is obvious that they have known at least since then that Tina's surroundings were inadequate." Staggeringly dishonest p.r. is the norm at the GVZ.

For Immediate Release: June 9, 1998

Tina the Elephant Goes on Holiday
...an unprecedented project allows 28 year old elephant to leave Greater Vancouver Zoo for 10 days at a Fraser Valley Retreat

Aldergrove, B.C. - Tina, a 28 year old elephant who has called the Greater Vancouver Zoo home for 27 years, left the zoo today for 10 days of rest and relaxation at a Fraser Valley Retreat. Tina's holiday location provides her with 10 acres of meadow land to graze on, trees to knock down and a water hole for drinking from and swimming in. "The farm will provide Tina with the opportunity to play in a much larger space. More importantly, it will provide her with added mental stimulation to re-energize her after more that 27 years of a fairly predictable routine" said Macquisten. "The location of Tina's holiday will not be made public due to concerns for Tina's comfort and safety", said Dr. Ken Macquisten, the zoo's Director and veterinarian who has been involved with the zoo for 17 years.

Tina's holiday is one element of the major development plans for the zoo designed to improve the lives of the animals and the experience of zoo visitors. These upgrades include new homes for the lions and tigers, upgrades to the rhinoceros and ostrich enclosures, and the reorganizing of the zoo into several themed areas, including the new 31 acres "North American Wilds" exhibit which opens later this month. Also of top priority will be an upgrade to the home of the Tina and Tumpe, the African elephant who has been Tina's companion for 14 years.

Plans for enhancing the elephants lives began with the visit of Alan Roocroft, a world renowned elephant care specialist who visited the zoo in late February to evaluate both Tina and Tumpe. "I am impressed with D. Macquisten's attention to detail with regard to Tina's holiday. I think the experience ill be a wonderful one for her and will also be of great interest to elephant care specialists around the globe", stated Roocroft.

"When Tina returns, we feel it is important to continue to her mental and physical stimulation by providing some exciting enhancements to her home. These will include the addition of a special feeding station which will allow greater interaction between the elephants and our guests while also assisting us in raising funds which will go directly toward the Elephant Exhibit Development Fund", stated Macquisten. The EED Fund has been established to raise money for the planned elephant exhibit which is expected to cost between $300,000 and $500,000.

The Greater Vancouver Zoological Centre is an accredited member of CAZA, the Canadian Association of Zoos & Aquariums and is dedicated to preserving the world's endangered species through breeding programmes and to inspiring commitment to conserve the world's threatened habitats and peoples through education. The Greater Vancouver Zoo is a privately owned zoo which relies on no taxpayer support.