Elephants Elephants - Wildpro - Twycross Zoo

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and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and the latest BIAZA Animal Transaction Policy
(British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums 2005a).
Elephants MUST be transported only for breeding, movement between zoos
and veterinary purposes and with TAG/EEP approval. Movement for any
other purposes MUST be cleared by the TAG and BIAZA. Collections MUST
inform BIAZA of any pending animal movements, so that the office can be
prepared for media or other interest.
During transportation, elephants should periodically be given access to food
and water. Hay can be given as appropriate to occupy them throughout the
journey. Elephants should always be given water, food or branches within the
same period as the drivers’ compulsory rest period.
Route Planning
It is essential prior to any move that the route is planned. Time of travel can
be estimated this way and likely delays can be accounted for. All relevant
bodies and authorities should be informed of the planned route. This is
especially important if any country borders are to be crossed, so that time is
not lost at a border, by either customs or veterinary controls. When crossing
borders it is essential that the originals of all permits are carried.
If the journey is likely to exceed 10 hours (drivers’ hours/tacho regulations) in
length, a suitable place to stop should be organised prior to the journey so that
the driver and elephant can be rested. If possible night stops should be
planned at a zoo, for supplies of fresh food and water and for security reasons.
A regular removal of dung and wet material is essential in longer trips.
Consideration should be made of the likely prevailing weather conditions,
especially with regard to heat and cold. Telephone numbers of suitably
experienced vets en route should also be prepared and a reliable mobile
telephone is essential.
Preliminary Considerations
If appropriate it would be strongly advised that the places of loading and
unloading be assessed prior to the move.
Factors to be considered at the time:
• Access to zoo/collection.
• Access to elephant house/yard. (It is good policy to access the loading
and unloading facilities in advance to check for unforeseen access
problems with vehicle or crane, and also to check for security
problems).
• Suitability of elephant house/yard for loading and unloading elephants
i.e. elephant and keeper safety. Adjustments to the facilities might be
necessary prior to the move.
• Assessment of elephants, factors to be considered refer to loading and
unloading elephants. This should be carried out in advance of
transportation by those personnel destined to move the elephant/s.
The extent to which the elephants are trained for loading may be
critical.