Seattle Elephants Arrive At Oklahoma City Zoo

Two elephants from Seattle have arrived safely at the Oklahoma City Zoo.

A spokeswoman with the zoo confirmed the arrival of Asian elephants "Chai" and "Bamboo."   The pair arrived around 3 a.m. Wednesday and Zoo officials said they are doing well.

The elephants left San Diego Monday night where they were staying temporarily until the weather cleared up for the journey to Oklahoma. They'll be quarantined for 30 days - a standard procedure for new animals at the zoo - as they adjust to their new surroundings. 

“We are excited to have these two new members join our family,” said Dwight Lawson, PhD, OKC Zoo executive director/CEO. “This journey has always been about the best care possible for Bamboo and Chai. We've witnessed an incredible collaboration of three Association of Zoo and Aquarium-accredited zoos, which kept the well-being of Bamboo and Chai at the forefront of their transition. We are grateful to the Oklahoma City community for the outpouring of support and well wishes on behalf of the elephants, to the San Diego Zoo for temporarily accommodating Bamboo and Chai, and to the Woodland Park Zoo team who have worked tirelessly with high standards of professionalism.”

According to Zoo officials, as soon as conditions are suitable, the new elephants may be seen outside in a separate elephant yard viewable to Zoo guests. 

After the quarantine period, officials said the new elephants will be gradually introduced to the existing elephant herd. In addition, Woodland Park Zoo's elephant staff will spend as much time as necessary with Bamboo and Chai to help ease their transition and settle them into their new surroundings.