London Zoo itself openly recognizes this, but its particular problem is the relatively cramped site and its legacy of animal houses, many of which are architecturally interesting and indeed listed, but not ideal homes for captive wild creatures.
Sir Hugh Casson's concrete-walled pavilion was built to house both elephants and rhinos, but in recent years the single biggest complaint the zoo received from visitors was that the rhinos did not have enough space. In response, they were quietly moved out to Whipsnade last summer.
Work Starts on New Home for Elephants
Now the elephants are to leave the other half of the Casson enclosure and, although the zoo is not giving a date when this will happen, work has already started on their new Whipsnade home.
"It has been a long-standing plan to assemble all our elephants at Whipsnade, a move that would significantly increase the potential of our conservation breeding programme," Michael Dixon, director general of the zoo's parent body, the Zoological Society of London, said.
Dixon added: "Even though the move cannot take place immediately, we feel it right to make this announcement now because of the high level of current interest following the tragic death of our colleague, Jim Robson.
"We will be sorry to see the elephants go; there have been elephants in London Zoo since 1831. But Whipsnade is very accessible, being only 40 minutes' drive from Regent's Park, and these elephants will be able to benefit from the larger group, with a breeding bull and two pregnant companions to socialize with."
Copyright 2001 The Independent (London)
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