The late television host Bob Barker financed the relocation of three elderly elephants from the Toronto Zoo to an animal sanctuary in 2013, contributing nearly $1 million to secure their transfer, according to reporting by Times of India — Top Stories.
The operation relocated three female elephants named Iringa, Toka, and Thika, concluding decades of captivity at the municipal zoo in Canada. The funding provided by Barker facilitated specialized transport logistics required to move the large mammals across the continent.
Cross-Country Journey to California Sanctuary
The relocation spanned a four-day journey that carried the animals from Toronto to the Performing Animal Welfare Society sanctuary located in California. The specialized overland trek was completed to transition the aging animals into a dedicated protective habitat.
The transit required extensive planning to ensure the well-being of the elderly elephants throughout the multi-day route. Advocates celebrated the successful arrival as a milestone for international animal welfare efforts.
Medical Care and Adjustment Period
Following their arrival at the California sanctuary, the three elephants entered a transitional phase requiring ongoing care. Staff members and veterinary specialists took charge of monitoring the animals as they acclimated to their new surroundings.
Because the elephants spent decades living in captive zoo environments, caretakers noted that the trio required sustained veterinary expertise and substantial time to fully adjust to the sanctuary environment. The successful relocation marked a major victory for animal welfare campaigners who had long advocated for the elephants' retirement.
