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Dickerson Park Zoo Welcomes New Elephant

Dickerson Park Zoo

A new elephant at Dickerson Park Zoo, eight-year-old, Hugo, arrived there Friday from the Endangered Arc Foundation in Hugo, Oklahoma.

According to zoo officials, Asian elephants are critically endangered, mainly due to loss of habitat and poaching. Hugo was brought to Dickerson Park Zoo to increase the genetic diversity of the elephant population in the United States.

Asian elephants are one of the Saving Animals from Extinction or SAFE species identified by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, according to the zoo. Through SAFE, the collective expertise within AZA zoos and aquariums is used to help, not only for endangered animals in human care, but also research to protect and save endangered species in the wild.

Hugo will be in quarantine for at least a month, and, during that time, he’ll be introduced to the female elephant, Patience. The goal is for both Hugo and Patience to be on exhibit together.

Michele Skalicky has worked at KSMU since the station occupied the old white house at National and Grand. She enjoys working on both the announcing side and in news and has been the recipient of statewide and national awards for news reporting. She likes to tell stories that make a difference. Michele enjoys outdoor activities, including hiking, camping and leisurely kayaking.