The Oakland Zoo is experiencing mixed emotions as its cherished elephant, Osh, has made the journey to his new home at the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. Osh traveled nearly 46 hours to reach his destination, where his dedicated care team from the zoo documented his first moments exploring his new habitat in heartwarming videos.
The decision to relocate Osh was made back in July when the zoo struggled to find a companion for him. The Elephant Sanctuary, with its focus on providing social opportunities for elephants, was deemed a suitable solution.
While this move ensures Osh will have the companionship he needs, it also marks the end of the zoo’s 75-year elephant program, which has been instrumental in advocating for laws regulating the ivory trade and the ethical treatment of circus elephants.