Most Frequently Asked Questions About “Lucky” and "Boo"
The San Antonio Zoo's Asian Elephants

How old are “Lucky” and "Boo?"
"Lucky" arrived at the San Antonio Zoo in 1962 at the age of two. She is 49 years old and has lived longer than the average elephant either in the wild or in a zoo.

"Boo" arrived at the San Antonio Zoo on April 21, 2010. She is between 52-55 years old.

Is their habitat adequate? 
Yes. The elephant habitat more than meets the necessary requirements set forth by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). AZA accreditation standards are science-based and continue to be re-evaluated, including the mandatory standards for elephants.  AZA’s Standards for Elephant Management and Care allow the San Antonio Zoo to appropriately maintain these magnificent animals that require a significant commitment of staff and resources. The San Antonio Zoo is meeting these commitments and is continuously improving its elephant program.

Does “Lucky” or "Boo" have a foot infection or foot problems?

Both elephants show no signs of foot problems. Zookeepers and our Zoo veteranarians are trained in preventive health care methods especially in elephant foot care. Both elephants are currently in excellent condition.

How is “Lucky's” and "Boo's" overall health?

Our vets monitor both elephants health regularly. The elephants receive baths and are examined on a daily basis. The examinations include eyes, ears, mouth and feet. Both is also trained to assist keepers and veterinarians in providing the care required as part of her preventative health care plan. The veterinarians are also available around the clock to respond to any health issues that may arise.

Why does “Lucky” rock back and fourth?

When "Lucky" is observed swaying back and fourth or side-to-side, that is her way of exhibiting an anxious or impatient behavior. She usually does this when she wants food, enrichment time, a bath, or when she wants access into her barn, and sometimes, when she just wants attention.

Is the pool adequate?

Yes. The water is deep enough that either elephant can submerge in the water, especially during the summer season. The pool also has a continuous flowing fresh water supply, which helps keep the pool clean.

How often is the pool cleaned and drained?

The pool is cleaned and drained as needed. It differs between the summer and the winter as algae grows more quickly during the summer. 

Why is it important for “Lucky” and " Boo" to stay at the San Antonio Zoo?
Both animals are in the constant care of experienced keepers and staff veterinarians. The San Antonio Zoo connects people with animals and inspires visitors to take conservation action. A recent study found that visiting accredited zoos and aquariums prompts people to feel a stronger connection to animals and to reconsider their role in wildlife conservation.  This provides a benefit not only for school children and families in our community, but for conservation programs worldwide. The San Antonio Zoo and its peer institutions help support conservation and scientific research programs, supporting more than 3,700 field conservation and research projects in 100 countries. 

How does the San Antonio Zoo help in elephant conservation?
The San Antonio Zoo has been involved in elephant conservation and research since 1997. We support or have supported the following:

• SSP Assessment of Reproductive Status in Captive Elephants in 1997
• Sumatra Elephant Fund in 1999
• Bushmeat Crisis Task Force since 2000
• Elephant Transit Home in Sri Lanka:
• One year's sponsorship of Asian orphan in 2003
• International Elephant Foundation in 2006
  National Elephant Center in 2008

Research and Studies include:

• International Elephant Foundation’s EEHV Research
  Staff collects weekly blood samples from the Zoo’s Asian elephants as part of an ongoing International Elephant Foundation project to investigate the Endotheliotropic Elephant Herpes Virus (EEHV).  Weekly blood collection will continue for a two-year span and will be used to create a comprehensive database of the serologic status of Asian elephants in North America.  
• Elephant TAG Investigation of Potential Use of Laparoscopy
  The San Antonio Zoo, in cooperation with the Elephant Taxon Advisory Group, which is a multi-institutional collaborative group made of experts from various accredited Zoo’s, has been formed to investigate the potential use of laparoscopy in elephants.  The development of laparoscopic equipment and techniques through such procedures will potentially improve the general health of captive animals and aid conservation efforts of both captive and free-ranging elephants.  In the future, laparoscopy on elephants could address abdominal and thoracic diseases, reproductive procedures, bacterial and viral disease diagnosis, and visual assessment and biopsy of abdominal organs.