Group opposes Philadelphia Zoo decision

PHILADELPHIA, June 26 (UPI) -- The Philadelphia Zoo may put the health of two elephants in danger if transfers the animals to another state, the Friends of Philly Zoo Elephants say.

Marianne Bessey, who heads up the group, said if Philadelphia Zoo elephants Kallie, 27, and Bette, 26, are moved to a 724-acre site in Somerset County, Pa., the animals may not live much longer, the Philadelphia Inquirer said Friday.

"If the zoo goes through with its plans to breed Kallie and Bette, it's likely that one or both will be dead within two years," Bessey said. "With a 22-month gestation period, they would be 30 years old at their first birth, assuming they get pregnant at all, and face risky complications due to their relatively advanced age."

The International Conservation Center where the elephants are tabbed to be transferred to is already home to an African elephant from the Pittsburgh Zoo, which owns the Somerset County location.

Bessey said her group wants the Philadelphia Zoo elephants transferred to a Performing Animal Welfare Society refuge in California instead.

Philadelphia Zoo Communications Director Bill Larson told the Inquirer any transfer decisions will be focused around the survival of the elephants.