Asian elephants Babe and Sophie are getting settled at their new home after being moved from Niabi Zoo in Coal Valley, Illinois.
The pair was moved to the Little Rock Zoo in Arkansas on Sunday night, October 20, 2013.
For about two weeks before the trip to Little Rock, Babe and Sophie were slowly introduced to the trailer in which they would travel.
Negative impact from the cold climate, small indoor shelter and continuing health problems all contributed to a campaign to move the elephants out of Niabi Zoo. The Rock Island County Forest Preserve Commission voted July 16, 2013 to move Babe and Sophie out of Niabi Zoo.
Some consideration has been given to putting a rhinoceros in the space currently occupied by Babe and Sophie, but zoo and county officials have not yet confirmed what might occupy the former elephant exhibit space.
