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Check the Elephant Cam to see what Bo is up to right now.
JOIN US IN WELCOMING ERNA’S FIRST RESIDENT, BO!
Yes – the day we’ve all been waiting for is here!
We are thrilled to announce that Bo, a 34-year-old bull (male) Asian elephant, is Elephant Refuge North America’s first resident!
WHO IS BO?
Bo is a magnificent Asian elephant in the prime of his life. A star performer with the George Carden Circus, he was born in captivity and is in excellent physical, mental and emotional health, a testament to the care George Carden has given him for three decades.
Bo was castrated when he was five years old (one of a very few castrated bulls alive today) so he has a calm temperament.
Why did Bo come to ERNA?
George Carden selected ERNA for Bo’s retirement because he wants Bo to have only the best! And we are delighted to comply!
When did Bo arrive?
Bo arrived on Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021.
What are Bo’s stats?
He is 10’6” tall, weighs 12,000 pounds and the circumference of his front foot is 5’4”.
What’s on ERNA’s to do list for Bo?
It’s hard to believe how much we accomplished in a few short weeks to prepare for Bo’s arrival. We:
- reinforced 2,000 feet of fencing for Bo’s initial seven-acre habitat
- finished plumbing and installing Bo’s water trough
- installed streaming video and security systems
- and sealed the pond in Bo's habitat to ensure that it retains water.
You can help!
We have a special wish list of things we need for Bo. Check Bo's Habitat Wish List for items you can donate.
What Is Life Like for Bo?
Take a look at our live stream of the habitat to find out. Please watch the Elephant Cam on YouTube to see the adventures of Bo, Tarra and Mala, their canine sidekick!
At ERNA, elephants come first!
Our goal is to give our residents as close to a natural life as is possible in captivity. For Bo that means:
- full autonomy. He chooses where and when he eats, sleeps, bathes and grazes. And when other elephants arrive, he will have the freedom to choose his companions.
- unrestricted access to acres of natural habitat with abundant pastures, forests, ponds and bamboo groves.
- a state-of-the art fully automated elephant house where the door will always be open.
Check out our ERNA overview video to see
the landscape Bo will explore everyday.
Watch our video on ERNA's state-of-the-art Elephant Barn to see where Bo can come inside - if he wants to.