Forever Young Magazine

April 2007
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Section: Life & Leisure

The Zoo Needs You!
By Nancy Jo Eckerson

Dr. Donna Fernandes with elephants
performing for the camera in their current home.
Photos courtesy of the Buffalo Zoo.

Like many of us, my fascination with the animal world was developed during childhood visits to the Buffalo Zoo. What great fun it was to escape to Africa, Asia, and the deep South American jungle, and never leave Western New York.

When I read in the Spring 2007 Zoolog, that the elephant house was in trouble, I wanted to be a part of the rescue team. In an interview with Buffalo Zoo president and chief executive officer, Donna Fernandes, Ph.D, many rescue opportunities were revealed.

Nancy Jo Eckerson: What prompted the sudden change of plans that now includes the $2.5 million-renovation of the 1912 elephant house and the updating of the 1967 vet hospital?

Dr. Donna Fernandes: At our five-year accreditation hearing with the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) in September 2006, we were given one year to come into compliance with the new elephant standards. Our master plan already included the construction of a new bull elephant barn and yard for phase II, but we had to push up the expansion of cow holding to occur as soon as possible.

The Buffalo Zoo’s veterinary hospital meets current standards; however, by 2008, we need to add a separate surgical suite. At present, we perform routine examinations and treatments in the same room as surgeries.

We are currently raising private funds for both projects, which each cost over $1 million. We have applied for grants from several local foundations and are asking the general public to help with the elephant campaign by having fundraisers on our behalf. We are also delighted that members of the Western New York Veterinary Medical Association and the Niagara Frontier Veterinary Society will be assisting with our Hospital campaign.

NJE: Can you tell us more about what changes need to be made?

DF: In the elephant house, the plan is to expand the indoor holding space from the current 1,050 square feet to 1,.800 square feet (above the 1,200 square feet AZA requirement). This expansion would allow us to maintain all three of our elephants even if the two younger ones have calves in the coming years. The proposed interior work also includes upgrades to the electrical, plumbing and heating systems, new elephant stalls to provide cushioning to the concrete and a complete restoration of the historic metalwork on the entrance doors.

The veterinary hospital expansion will establish a separate surgery suite, triple the available quarantine space and double the amount of space devoted to laboratory facilities. The aseptic surgical facilities will include separate areas for animal preparation, surgeon’s scrub and post operative recovery.

NJE: Can you tell us about the three “girls” — 50-year-old Buki, 22-year-old Surapa and 23-year-old Jothi?

DF: All three are Asian elephants who have come to us from India. They are incredible animals. Buki can play the harmonica and the drums. Surapa is an artist and actually paints. She prefers tempera for canvases and acrylic for tee-shirts. Our “Bathtime with Buki” program, elephant painting show, yard demonstrations, and public feeding opportunities are standing room only. The bath and painting demonstrations alone attract approximately 35,000 spectators per year.

NJE: Is there hope that someday either Surapa or Jothi will have a baby?

DF: We plan to breed our two youngest cows — Surapa and Jothi — using artificial insemination. Asian elephants have been highly endangered for most of the last century. Currently, one-third of all Asian elephants on earth are held in captivity. Zoo elephants not only serve as an educational tool to encourage the public to support conservation of their native habitat, but they also provide the research data needed to manage the wild populations and serve as a genetic reserve for wild populations.

NJE: How can we, the readers, help to raise the funds needed to make these necessary changes?

DF: The Buffalo Zoo is asking the community to lend a hand and has a “trunkful” of ideas to help you raise the funds. You can sell the “I love elephants” wristbands; you can have a bake sale or a car wash; you might suggest a dress down day at your place of employment or perhaps hold a white elephant sale. We are also encouraging you to use your creativity to develop and hold your own special fundraiser to help support the elephants. All we ask is that you let the Zoo’s development office know what you are doing and when you plan to hold your event. Prizes will be awarded to the top fundraisers in several categories, including individual and company.

Call 995-6131 to register your planned fundraising activity. It takes just a little effort but, everyone wins — the Buffalo Zoo, the elephants, Zoo fans and you!