A Mile High version of Dumbo, the flying pachyderm, took flight Thursday when Mimi and Dolly went airborne — in a crate lifted by a crane — into their new home at the Denver Zoo.
The two elephants moved to the new Toyota Elephant Passage, a 10-acre exhibit that will officially open in late spring. Their new home features twice their old sleeping space, six connected habitats, more than 100 gated passageways and 2 miles of trails for animals to explore.
The move was months in the making, as Mimi and Dolly were trained with positive reinforcement so they would peacefully enter the crates for the move.
Brian Aucone, Denver Zoo’s vice president for animal collections, said all went smoothly.
“I know they will be so happy in their new home,” he stated. “Our staff is elated to see this happen. It’s the best thing for them.”
Though construction won’t be complete before the end of the year, staff wanted the elephants to become acclimated to the new exhibit before it opens late next spring.
The elephants won’t be on display during the remainder of Zoo Lights this season. The Denver Post
