WHA?!…. So, what was all that on the front page of the Dallas news about them keeping Jenny? Was it just some smoke and mirrors to avert our attention while they sneak Jenny out the back door? It hard to hide an elephant. Well, shucks Lily. I hope you know that you always have us…the willing, the caring, the strong and the brave. I’m on it dahlin’! xxoo

MONORAIL SAFARI!!?? Lily and all other Jenny-loving pals, I’m wondering about something—and concerned. I visited the Dallas Zoo’s web site, and apparently they have a “Monorail Safari” that transports visitors throughout the Zoo. Now, I don’t know if this system takes visitors through the entire park or just part of it, however, if the monorail system goes through Jenny’s section of the zoo, wouldn’t she be afraid of this? I called the zoo, but received an automated service that doesn’t give too many details on the Monorail Safari other than its hours of operation and prices. Any of you Dallas wOwers know about this monorail system and whether or not it has an impact on Jenny? Here’s a link: http://www.dallaszoo.com/attractions/attractions.htm

Has anyone read the Dallas Zoo’s Mission Statement? To me, it seems very customer-oriented—centered around providing what the visitor wants—so that they can make a profit. It really doesn’t express the care and concern for the animals—at least, that’s my take. “MISSION STATEMENT Our mission is to support the Dallas Zoo as an outstanding center of education, entertainment and wildlife conservation. The Society supports this mission through: Fund raising Volunteerism Promoting public awareness and participation Enhancing the visitor experience We exist to broaden support for worldwide conservation efforts by creating an environment which allows our community and visitors to experience dramatic, engaging and diverse presentations for the living plant and animal world through excellent animal management, solid conservation science (research) and dynamic educational programs.” They say they support “conservation,” but how are they preventing animal exploitation? “Animal management”? Are animals SUPPOSED to be managed? I suppose you do have to “manage” them if they are on display for humans—for a price of course.

I’m confused about the current status of Jenny’s move. I keep checking the Dallas papers and the City Council’s website and can’t find any evidence of a scheduled move. But maybe I’m missing something. Does anyone know what the plans are for Jenny as of today’s date (8/27). And other than calling and writing, is there anything else we can do right now?

Hello All ………. I spoke with the Mayor’s office today. They have been instructed to direct all calls regarding Jenny to the Parks and Recreation Department. They transferred my call to the P & R Department and they have been instructed to direct all calls regarding Jenny to the Dallas Zoo. They have this “directing of calls thing” down to a science. As for any impending move date, I too have vigorously tried to obtain and confirm, but to no avail. As for my original thoughts about all of this, I said that I believed it to be a marketing ploy. And for the most part, I still believe this. But after reviewing the budgets from the last three years, the current proposed budget and the 2006 Bond Election, all of which have money allocated to the Dallas Zoo for improvements and the potential new Elephant exhibit; I must expand on my theory. After reviewing the financials, countless news reports and the Dallas Zoo newsletters, I am of the opinion that they do not want Jenny due to her age and behavioral issues. So much of their plans imply a younger herd of pachyderms that would be acquired after a new exhibit is built. I am sadly confident that Jenny will not survive the three years it will take to complete the existing plans that were drawn and approved by the voters in 2006. The 2008-09 proposed budget clearly states, and I quote: “Initiate design for a new African Safari exhibit at the Dallas Zoo”

Thank you Dorothy and Linda for the updated Jenny information. I agree, Linda, that the Zoo is not concerned about the welfare of one aging elephant because of their “bigger” plans. This flies in the face of everything a zoo is supposed to stand for, and I still would like to know if it’s possible for a group of citizens to purchase Jenny and send her to the sanctuary. She has become a black eye for the Dallas Zoo, an issue they do not want to deal with instead of a being dignified, older elephant in their charge. I read somewhere that she was originally donated by a private party, so I don’t know why the Zoo, or City Council, or Parks and Rec. (or whoever has the ultimate authority) would stand in the way of a private purchase for the purpose of re-locating Jenny to a better home. Linda, you’ve done so much research and have turned over a lot of rocks. I’m hoping that you can find out more. Thanks so much…I know you’ve put in a lot of hours. Mo

Dear Lilly, why can’t the concerned citizens for Jenny take up a collection and approach the city of Dallas offereing to buy her, then turn around and give her the retirement she deserves by sending her to the sanctuary? Has anyone considered or attempted this?