Hrantik is the only elephant in Yerevan's Zoo; his "real" name is Elbrus. Hrantik came to Armenia from Moscow Zoo in 1999 - his parents still live there - in the form of a gift. Being twelve, he has started noticing a need for something very special: a female elephant!
Given Armenia's very poor record with regards to sheltering and caring for the animals at the zoo, previous efforts to find a mate for Hrantik have failed. In fact, in 2005 Indian animal lovers protested vigorously to keep their four-month old female elephant in India with its family, going so far as to petition their President and their Prime Minister! They argued that Armenia's freezing weather, the lack of proper elephant enclosures, and the general underfunding of the zoo would mean the elephant's death if sent there.
However, Armenia has spent $1.5 million to bring the elephant areas up to code. In fact, an international organization dealing with that issue has certified their efforts. And while Hrantik is comfortable now, he needs a female companion!
So, if you know of an elephant who would like to travel to a beautiful country and meet a cute Hrantik, let us know! :)
Source: Elephant.se, DPA, and Yerevan.ru (translated)
2 comments:
Your site just gets better and better. Linked to you at:
http://oneworld.blogsome.com/2007/01/07/notes-from-the-armenian-blogosphere-34/
Drop by and say hi when you have time.
Your right Onnik this site is awsome
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