PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — The Oregon Zoo is taking part in a three-year study of elephants at zoos across the nation to determine the best ways to manage and care for the animals.
The Oregon Zoo will join six other institutions to begin the research next month. The study is being coordinated by the Honolulu Zoo Society and funded by an $800,000 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
Officials said the study will involve the entire population of 290 elephants housed in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums — including the Oregon Zoo’s Asian elephant herd.
The director of the Oregon Zoo, Kim Smith, says there has never been such an extensive study on zoo elephants and the results will help improve their overall care.
