Elephant Relocation to Performing Animal Welfare Society (PAWS) Site Due Diligence Update

TORONTO, April 30, 2012 /CNW/ - Today, the Toronto Zoo issued an update regarding the move of the elephants, Iringa, Toka, and Thika, to the PAWS Sanctuary in northern California.  Currently, the Toronto Zoo is trying to fulfill the due diligence reporting requirements that are needed to ensure the successful and safe relocation of the elephants to their new facilities. An agreement has been signed between PAWS and the Toronto Zoo specifying information to be exchanged between the parties. However, this process has reached an impasse due to the inability of the PAWS facility to provide medical records for its elephants. Without this information, Zoo Management is unable to fulfill its due diligence obligations.

"Obviously, we are disappointed that the health information that we require is not being made available," said John Tracogna, CEO, Toronto Zoo. "We remain steadfast in our repeated requests for the medical records. It is entirely irresponsible to move members of our family to another home without proof of operations and medical history."

The discussions, until this past Friday, April 27^th, have been entirely between the parties and the Toronto Zoo now feels compelled to respond to spurious allegations made by ill-intentioned sources.

"We acknowledge that the PAWS facility has many redeeming qualities and we are fully prepared to move the elephants under conditions that ensure the health of the elephants involved. However, our respect for the due diligence process - one that is legally defined for all parties, requires that we act in specific ways. As directed by Toronto City Council, the Toronto Zoo must ensure that the transfer of the elephants is completed in accordance with all applicable legislation and the standards of our profession," said John Tracogna.

About the Toronto Zoo
The Toronto Zoo is Canada's premier zoo and a leader in animal preservation and environmental protection. More than a tourist attraction, the Toronto Zoo boasts a number of leading programs for helping animals and their natural habitats - from species reintroduction to reproductive research. A world-class educational center for people of all ages, the Toronto Zoo is open every day except Christmas, and attracts approximately 1.3 million visitors each year. www.torontozoo.com

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Hugh Mansfield
Mansfield Communications
416-918-4791
[email protected]

Shanna Young
Executive Director of Marketing & Communications
Toronto Zoo     416-392-5936
[email protected]