Memphis Zoo gets new adult elephant

MEMPHIS, Nov. 27 (UPI) -- Memphis Zoo curator Matt Thompson says his tourist site is the new home of a 25-year-old African elephant and soon will welcome a newborn elephant.

Thompson said Gina the elephant was welcomed into the Memphis Zoo family on Wednesday after a man in Tampa, Fla., chose the Tennessee site for his elephant's new home, the Memphis Commercial Appeal said.

"We got word that this gentleman who had an elephant was retiring from the business," Thompson said. "He was very attached to this animal and wanted to choose where she was going. He chose us, so we feel honored that he thought the Memphis Zoo would be a good home for Gina."

Gina's arrival means the zoo now has three total African elephants as 23-year-old Asali and 44-year-old Tyranza already reside on-site.

Thompson said Asali will soon boost that figure even higher as the elephant is pregnant and is expected to give birth sometime next summer.

The Commercial Appeal reported the increased elephant population at the zoo will be matched with an elephant exhibit renovation scheduled for completion next spring.