Three aging Toronto Zoo elephants may finally be taken to an animal sanctuary in California after the Canadian Thanksgiving weekend. After more than 2 years of debate and delay, a Toronto Zoo news release says Toka, Thika and Iringa will make the trip pending the receipt of the proper permits.  Former TV game show host and animal activist Bob Barker is paying for the trip and says he’ll believe it when it happens.  “I’m delighted if they’ve finally decided to do it,” 89 year old Barker tells CP24, “My concern is that everything will be fine, then at the last minute the zoo will come up with some excuse as they have before that they can’t let the elephants go, or won’t let the elephants go.”

Zoo staff will continue to train the elephants for the move over the next few weeks and access to the exhibit will be limited at times to minimize distractions. The best times to visit are after lunch from 12:30 to 1:30p.m. and from 3  to 6 p.m.