URGENT ACTION NEEDED to keep Elephant companions of more than 30 years together

Our Reid Park Zoo Director would have you believe that separating Connie and Shaba is the best outcome for these elephants who have been side by side for over 30 years. You cannot make a generalization about these animals and spew out a blanket statement that there is scientific evidence supporting that they are better off with their own species. Connie being an Asian Elephant and Shaba an African. These living arrangements all need to be examined on an individual basis and then make a determination as to what is best for the animals. Connie accepted Shaba as as her family immediately upon introduction over 30 years ago. Connie was abused and Shaba orphaned. These elephants have only loved, benefitted and enriched each others lives over several decades. Separating this family of two would not only be cruel and painful for them, but a slap in the face to the city of Tucson who have grown to love them and support their well being by contributing to a new enclosure in 2006. Furthermore, this entire arrangement with San Diego, makes no sense. This is most obviously a deal that was struck to benefit certain people not Connie and Shaba and the elephants in San Diego. Please Tucson, fight to keep our beloved Connie and Shaba home where they belong, together, forever.