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Last elephant to leave Oakland Zoo

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Published  August 13, 2024 11:35am PDT
Pets and Animals
KTVU FOX 2

Oakland Zoo recognized as "gold standard" in zoological profession

For the 36th year in a row, Oakland Zoo has received accreditation from The Association of Zoos and Aquariums, which is considered the world "gold standard" for zoological facilities.

OAKLAND, Calif. - Osh, the lone elephant remaining at the Oakland Zoo, will depart for greener pastures by the end of the year.

That will leave the zoo without any elephants, down from a peak of four in 2019, the East Bay Times reported.

 The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation standard for elephant exhibits is at least three female (or a mix of female and male elephants) or two male elephants.

The zoo kept Osh in the hopes of finding a male companion for him, but to no avail. 

So on Monday, the zoo shared video of 30-year-old Osh – on World Elephant Day – strolling about the dry grass, streamers waving in the wind. 

To say goodbye, Osh's care team put out a spread of treats, including bucket-sized fruit popsicles, and zoo guests were asked to sign a going away banner, as the giant elephant is headed to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee in the fall.