The ABQ BioPark is home to a herd of Asian elephants, and recently the zoo has been in the news due to the loss of two young elephants. Jazmine, an eight-year-old female, was diagnosed with elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) and passed away in December 2020. Her brother Thorn, a three-year-old male, also passed away that same month.
The ABQ BioPark Zoo has been named one of the 10 worst zoos for elephants by an international animal protection group due to the deaths of Jazmine and Thorn. The zoo is committed to the survival of Asian elephants and their welfare, but this tragedy has raised questions about how well they are cared for at the zoo.
Visitors can take part in an Elephant Tour at the ABQ BioPark which lasts 60 minutes and costs $150 per guest. During this tour, guests will learn about what it takes to care for these majestic animals from an elephant caregiver guide.
Sources
- https://www.cabq.gov/artsculture/biopark/news/asian-elephant-calf-loses-battle-against-virus
- https://www.abqjournal.com/2483786/abq-biopark-zoo-named-one-of-worst-zoos-for-elephants-in
