Penny was moved last month to the Columbus Zoo in Ohio, and will soon go to Riverbanks Zoo in Columbia, S.C.. Columbus will hold Penny with two other Riverbanks elephants until construction of a naturalistic, state-of-the-art elephant facility is completed at Riverbanks (anticipated to be ready by early next year). Riverbank Zoo officials have indicated to the County that Penny will not be chained at their facility and will be handled through protected contact.

We would like to thank Dane County Executive Kathleen Falk and her Chief of Staff, Topf Wells, for their unflinching diligence in finding the best possible homes for Penny and Winkie. Mr. Wells dedicated many hours to the task of relocating the elephants, to the extent that he may now be said to be conversant with esoteric points of elephant husbandry! Citizens applauds the compassionate concern the County has demonstrated throughout the process of finding new homes for the elephants.

Citizens would also like to thank the thousands of individuals who wrote letters and e-mails, signed petitions and called officials.

THANKS TO ALL WHO CARED, PENNY AND WINKIE WILL SOON ENJOY LIVES IN MODERN FACILITIES-WE ARE GRATEFUL BEYOND WORDS.