Item - 2011.ZB9.1
Tracking Status
- This item was considered by Board of Management of the Toronto Zoo on November 24, 2011 and was adopted with amendments.
ZB9.1 - Elephant Transfer - Status Report
- Decision Type:
- ACTION
- Status:
- Amended
Board Decision
The Board:
A. Affirmed, reviewed, assessed and corroborated City Council's decision of October 25, 2011 to move the Toronto Zoo's three elephants to PAWS Sanctuary.
B. In affirming City Council's decision of October 25, 2011 to transfer the three elephants, Iringa, Toka and Thika to PAWS Sanctuary as soon as arrangements can be made by PAWS and Toronto Zoo staff to safely transport the elephants and obtain the necessary permits,
1. Directed the Chief Executive Officer and appropriate Toronto Zoo staff to:
a. provide the necessary information for PAWS with the request that PAWS provide similar information to the Toronto Zoo to begin the United States of America permit application by December 9, 2011 so as to coordinate the Canadian permits to be obtained simultaneously with the United States of America permit process.
b. provide PAWS Sanctuary with records for the three elephants and facilitate a site visit to the Toronto Zoo for Ed Stewart, the PAWS Veterinarian, and other PAWS staff deemed necessary to facilitate the transport of the elephants, with a similar request to PAWS to provide the Toronto Zoo with health records of their animal collections.
c. work cooperatively with PAWS staff in moving the three elephants to PAWS Sanctuary with a mutual goal of moving the three elephants by April 30, 2012.
d. request PAWS Sanctuary to receive a delegation from the Toronto Zoo to tour the PAWS facility at the earliest possible opportunity and invite PAWS staff to the Toronto Zoo's elephant facilities and fully cooperate with the transfer process.
e. request PAWS Sanctuary to provide semi-annual reports on the status and health of the Toronto Zoo elephants as long as they are alive.
f. consult with PAWS on the final decision made in order to transport the elephants in a humane and safe manner.
g. undertake due diligence prior to transporting the elephants to PAWS Sanctuary, such diligence will include the following transition process outlined in the report (November 17, 2011) by the Chief Executive Officer:
i. A site visit will be conducted at PAWS with qualified Toronto Zoo staff. The site visit will look at various items including:
- Indoor and outdoor facilities (size, quality)
- Training & enrichment program in practice
- Veterinary program
- Overall health of existing elephants
- Protected Contact elephant management
- Behaviour management
- Staff & animal safety
- Ability to integrate our elephants
ii Documentation will be requested, for example:
- Diagrams of all facilities & future plans
- Health records of existing elephants
- Financial information to determine financial stability
- Elephant management protocols
- Ability to manage multiple groups
- Staff experience/qualifications
- Staff to elephant ratio
- Contribution to elephant conservation, research & training
- Education program
iii. Subject to a successful site visit and completion of the required documents, Toronto Zoo will co-ordinate with PAWS the applicable permits. PAWS will first apply for and obtain an import permit from the US government (minimum time: 90 days). Then Toronto Zoo can apply for an export permit from the Canadian government (minimum time: 30 days). Without any delays, the total time is estimated at four months following the site visit.
iv. Toronto Zoo will co-ordinate with PAWS on the logistics, including personnel, health records, equipment, method of transport and timing.
v. Toronto Zoo will train the elephants for transport.
vi. Toronto Zoo and PAWS will enter into a legal agreement covering ownership of the elephants, payment of transportation costs, liability, opportunity for Toronto Zoo staff to visit the elephants, etc.
C. Directed that the Toronto Zoo Board of Management Governance Task Force review operating models that would protect Toronto Zoo's accreditation going foward and requested the Chief Executive Officer to report back to the Board of Management for its March and April, 2012 meeting.
D. Requested that City Council and the Toronto Zoo Board of Management have the overall authority and responsibility for the transportation of the three Toronto Zoo elephants, Iringa, Toka and Thika from the Toronto Zoo to the PAWS Sanctuary in California to ensure their safe transportation and well being.
E. Requested that PAWS Sanctuary be responsible for the costs of transportation and obtaining Canadian and United States permits and authorities from Toronto Zoo to PAWS Sanctuary for the three elephants.
F. Expressed thanks to PAWS Sanctuary and its donors for their donation and generosity in transporting and providing a permanent home for Toronto Zoo's three elephants, Iringa, Toka and Thika.
Decision Advice and Other Information
Councillor Michelle Berardinetti addressed the Toronto Zoo Board of Management.
At the request of Councillor Lindsay Luby, Chris Dulong, Wildlife Care Supervisor and Heather Kalka, Zookeeper, Toronto Zoo, addressed the Board.
Origin
Summary
- On October 25th, 2011, Toronto City Council voted to transfer the Toronto Zoo's 3 elephants to the Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) in California. According to the City Solicitor, Council has the authority to make decisions on its property (i.e. zoo animals). See Attachment 1 re: City directive and Attachment 2 on the PAWS organization. Based on time requirements for permits, the earliest the elephants could leave the Toronto Zoo would be April, 2012.
- In light of this decision, the Toronto Zoo has received letters from its accrediting bodies, The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) and the Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums (CAZA) citing serious concerns surrounding the decision by Council and has suggested the Zoo's accreditation could be in jeopardy. Both organizations have asked for an immediate response to their letter. See Attachment 3 and 4 respectively.
- Under direction of the Zoo Board of Management on May 12, 2011, Zoo staff has been following a stepwise process to implement the transfer of the elephants to an AZA accredited facility. Prior to the October 25th decision, much progress had been made and per Zoo Board of Management's direction in the October meeting, an update was to be provided on the status of this issue at the November meeting. See Attachment 5, Board of Management decision, May 12, 2011.
- Included in this report is some preliminary information on a Florida facility called The National Elephant Centre that Zoo staff were in discussions with at the time of Council's decision. See Attachment 6 and 7.
- The intent of this report is to present the most current information to date, to enable the Board to provide Zoo staff with direction on this important issue. This will also assist in the response to both AZA and CAZA regarding accreditation concerns, as the Board of Management has had the opportunity to more fully discuss and consider the information contained in this report.
Background Information
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42451.pdf
Attachment 1 - City Council Decision - October 25, 2011
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42452.pdf
Attachment 2 - Performing Animal Welfare Society
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42453.pdf
Attachment 3 - Letter - Association of Zoos and Aquariums
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42454.pdf
Attachment 4 - Letter - Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquariums
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42455.pdf
Attachment 5 - Board of Management Decision
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42456.pdf
Attachment 6 - Letter - The National Elephant Centre
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42457.pdf
Attachment 7 - The National Elephant Center - Mission and Goals
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/bgrd/backgroundfile-42458.pdf
Communications
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/comm/communicationfile-26999.pdf
(November 21, 2011) Letter from Jim Maddy, President and CEO, Association of Zoos and Aquariums (ZB.New.ZB9.1.2)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/comm/communicationfile-27000.pdf
(November 21, 2011) Letter from Martha Fischer, Chair, AZA Elephant TAG/SSP (ZB.New.ZB9.1.3)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/comm/communicationfile-27010.pdf
(November 23, 2011) Letter from Kartick Satyanarayan, Founder Chairman, Wildlife SOS India (ZB.New.ZB9.1.4)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/comm/communicationfile-27031.pdf
(November 18, 2011) Letter from Dr. Jane Goodall, Founder of the Jane Goodall Institute and UN Messenger of Peace (ZB.New.ZB9.1.5)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/comm/communicationfile-27032.pdf
(November 21, 2011) Letter from Andrew Smith, President, The Elephant Managers Association (ZB.New.ZB9.1.6)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/comm/communicationfile-27033.pdf
(November 21, 2011) Letter from Patrick Tohill, World Society for the Protection of Animals (ZB.New.ZB9.1.7)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2011/zb/comm/communicationfile-27037.pdf
(November 23, 2011) E-mail from from approximately 450 interested persons on elephant decision (ZB.New.ZB9.1.8)
(November 24, 2011) Submission from Margaret Prior (ZB.New.ZB9.1.9)
(November 24, 2011) Submission from Miguel Avila-Velarde (ZB.New.ZB9.1.10)
Speakers
Janet Money
Erika Ritter
Ainslie Willlock
Harry Peachey, Elephant Managers' Assoc
Margaret Prior (Submission Filed)
Emily Prior
Barry MacKay, Canadian Representative Born Free USA
Geri Clever
Linda Bronfman
Briane Nasimok, Co-Chair, Everyone Loves Elephants (ELE)
Nicholas Wright, Humane Society International/Canada
Liz White, Leader, Animal Alliance Environment Voters
Steve Loretta
Vicki Van Linden
Florine Morrison
Audrey Berend
Miguel Avila-Velarde (Submission Filed)
David Ker Thomson
Karen MacLean
Rob Laidlaw, Campaigns Director, Zoocheck Canada Inc.
Carla Kuijpers
Rochelle Gai Rodney
Elizabeth Abbott
Patrick Tohill, World Society for the Protection of Animals-Canada
Gwen Dunlop
Kay G. Mehren, Veterinarian Emeritas
Peter Evans
Bill Peters, Canadian Association of Zoos and Aquaiums
Jim Maddy, Association of Zoos and Aquariums
Motions
That speaking times for board members, visiting councillors and deputants be limited to three minutes and up to three minutes for questions.
That the Toronto Zoo Board:
1. Affirm City Council's decision dated October 25, 2011, to transfer 3 elephants, Iringa, Toka and Thika to PAWS sanctuary as soon as arrangements can be made by PAWS and Toronto Zoo staff to safely transport the elephants and permits can be obtained.
2. Direct Toronto Zoo staff to provide the necessary information for PAWS and PAWS be requested to provide necessary information to the Toronto Zoo to begin the United States permit application by December 9, 2011, and coordinate the Canadian permit to be obtained simultaneously with the United States permit process.
3. Direct Toronto Zoo staff to provide the PAWS sanctuary with records for the 3 elephants and facilitate a site visit to Toronto Zoo for Ed Stewart, the PAWS veterinarian, and other staff PAWS deems necessary to facilitate the transport of the elephants, and PAWS be requested to provide the Toronto Zoo with health records of their animal collections.
4. Direct the Toronto Zoo staff to work cooperatively with PAWS staff to move the elephants to PAWS with a mutual goal of moving the 3 elephants by April 30, 2012.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required - Part 1 |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 10 | Members that voted Yes are Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Michael Ho, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 3 | Members that voted No are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Mark Grimes, Gloria Lindsay Luby |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required - Parts 2 - 4 |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 11 | Members that voted Yes are Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 2 | Members that voted No are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Gloria Lindsay Luby |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That the Chief Executive Officer request PAWS to receive a delegation from the Toronto Zoo to tour the PAWS facility at the earliest possible opportunity and invite PAWS staff to the Toronto Zoo's elephant facilities and fully cooperate with the transfer process.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 13 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That the Toronto Zoo Board:
1. Receive semi-annual Reports from PAWS on the status and health of our elephants, as long as they are alive.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 13 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That the Toronto Zoo undertake its due diligence by appropriate Toronto Zoo staff, prior to transporting the elephants to PAWS, such diligence will include the points on page 6 of the report (November 17, 2011) from the Chief Executive Officer.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 13 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That Recommendation 3 in the report be amended by deleting the words "establish a" after the word "Management" so that it reads as follows:
"3. The Toronto Zoo Board of Management governance task force review operating models that would protect Toronto Zoo's accreditation going forward."
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 13 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That:
1. City Council and the Toronto Zoo Board of Management have the overall authority and responsibility for transportation of the Toronto Zoos (3) elephants Iringa, Toka and Thika from the Toronto ZOO to the PAWS sanctuary in California to ensure their safe transportation and well being.
2. Toronto Zoo staff consult with PAWS on the final decision made in order to transport the elephants in a humane and safe manner.
3. PAWS be responsible for the costs of transportation and Canadian and United States permits and authorities from the Toronto Zoo to PAWS for the 3 elephants.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 13 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That Recommendation 3 in the report be amended by adding the following words to the end of the paragraph:
"and the CEO be requested to report back to the Board of Management for its March and April 2012 meeting."
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 13 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That the Toronto Zoo express thanks to PAWS Sanctuary and its donors for their donation and generosity in transporting and providing a permanent home for Toronto's three elephants, Iringa, Toka and Thika.
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 10 | Members that voted Yes are Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 3 | Members that voted No are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Gloria Lindsay Luby |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That the word "affirm" be added to Recommendation 2 before the word "Review", so that it reads as follows:
"2. Affirm, review, assess, and corroborate City Council's decision dated October 25, 2011, moving the Toronto Zoo's 3 elephants to PAWS."
Vote (Amend Item (Additional)) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 12 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 1 | Members that voted No are Paul Doyle |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |
That the report (November 17, 2011) from the Chief Executive Officer be adopted as amended.
Vote (Adopt Item as Amended) Nov-24-2011
Result: Carried | Majority Required |
---|---|
Total members that voted Yes: 13 | Members that voted Yes are Paul Ainslie (Chair), Cal Bricker, Tonie Chaltas, Raymond Cho, Josh Colle, Glenn De Baeremaeker, Paul Doyle, Sabrina Fiorellino, Mark Grimes, Michael Ho, Gloria Lindsay Luby, Joe Torzsok, Joshua Vinegar |
Total members that voted No: 0 | Members that voted No are |
Total members that were Absent: 1 | Members that were absent are Cindy Yelle |