MIAMI (AP) – Two African elephants are retiring to sunny South Florida.
Lis and Cita are expected to arrive at Zoo Miami on Tuesday.
The Miami Herald reports Lisa and Cita – ages 42 and 47 – will join two other elderly female elephants at the zoo.
The move follows an Association of Zoos and Aquariums recommendation that zoos keep elephants in herds of three or more to support their psychological health.
Spokesman Ron Magill says Zoo Miami is the only zoo in the continental United States that is located in a subtropical climate where the mammals can remain outdoors year-round.
The two elephants are coming to Miami from the Virginia Zoo in Norfolk.
The new elephants will be presented to the public May 20 after a quarantine period.
