Above: Zoo Atlanta uses its 7.5-ton EMH crane to relocate elephants safely from their habitat enclosures to the veterinary medicine area.
January, 2025- Home to hundreds of animals representing more than 200 species from around the world, many of them endangered or critically endangered, Zoo Atlanta’s mission is to save wildlife and their habitats through conservation, research, education and by providing engaging animal experiences. Zoo Atlanta is an accredited member of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), the gold standard for animal care and welfare.
ZAMBEZI ELEPHANT CENTER
In 2019, Zoo Atlanta took a leap forward in its elephant care program with the opening of its Zambezi Elephant Center, one of the largest facilities for African elephants in the Eastern U.S. The facility houses three elephants with the capacity to house up to seven.
While animal care has continued to evolve over the years, one thing has remained constant. When a 12,000-pound elephant is sick, injured or simply cannot get up because of advanced age and needs to be moved, the zoo faces a major problem and needs to do something quickly. Due to massive stress and weight on their internal organs, elephants cannot lie down for more than a few hours. If the animal is recumbent for more than four hours, things can become deadly.
Prior to installing a crane from Engineered Material Handling (EMH), when large animals, such as an elephant, needed emergency care, Zoo Atlanta had few options. One option was to use a fixed hoist. Unfortunately, that only worked when the elephant was situated close to an exact spot under the hoist where the elephant could be easily accessed. The zoo augmented that option with harnesses, ropes, etc., but each of those tools created a very complicated situation. In addition, like most zoological parks, Zoo Atlanta partnered with the re department, which used tripod lifting mechanisms. Fire department partnerships still come into play when assisted lifts are required in outside areas.
Zoo Atlanta’s crane covers the entire elephant facility—70 feet by 128 feet, at a height of 25 feet.
During construction of the Zambezi Elephant Center, the zoo installed an EMH 7.5-ton overhead crane system. Available in monorail and double-girder models, the EMH EG Series hoist offers users a variety of features. For instance, the EG Hoist makes it easy to adjust trolleys to a variety of flange widths and beam types. A long adjustment tube maintains hoist integrity and tight staging during adjustment, and during opening and closing.
HOW IT WORKS
A reliable hexagonal drive shaft enhances adjustment and reduces the number of parts involved. A limit switch (upper/lower) provides reliable repeatability during raising and lowering objects, and a weight-operated limit is provided as standard.
EG Series hoists are designed with spacious enclosures to accommodate large control panels and variable frequency drives. They are also available with capacities to handle 3, 5, 7.5 and 10 metric tons, and for 20-, 33-, 50- and 65-foot lifts.
The crane covers the entire elephant facility with a span of 70 feet and a runway length of 128 feet. A hoist hook height of 25 feet was considered perfect for emergency elephant lifting. The crane was provided with NEMA 4-standard enclosures for water spray considerations, and a radio remote control allows zoo personnel to operate inside or outside the elephant enclosures. A warning horn and flashing light when in operation were also included.
The EMH EG Series hoist offers users a variety of features. For instance, the EG Hoist makes it easy to adjust trolleys to a variety of flange widths and beam types.
The crane has been virtually maintenance free with only the yearly inspection required since it was made operational and load tested in 2020. Speed considerations were paramount, so the bridge and trolley were furnished with variable speeds via VFD and two-speed hoisting with 6:1 speed ratio for precision handling.
The EG Series hoist incorporates various safety features. A smooth acting rope guide tracks on a bar independent of the hoist frame to eliminate possible damage. The hoist also includes features that add to their ease of use. Along with a push-button control, the EMH EG hoist includes the capability for remote-controlled operation. Many additional accessories can be added if desired.
The crane system provides benefits to simulate a natural environment. The zoo moves food around, giving elephants more exercise.
SIDE BENEFITS
Along with providing emergency response, Zoo Atlanta considers the EMH crane a specialty installation to help ensure the highest standards of animal care, safety and welfare. For instance, in addition to providing basic animal and veterinary care, the crane installation is being utilized for other functions, including animal enrichment.
According to Nate Elgart, Elephant Program Manager and Lead Elephant Keeper in Zoo Atlanta’s Animal Care Team, “African elephants are treetop grazers in their natural habitat, spending a lot of their time eating and grazing from the tops of trees. Using the crane system, we can hang food extremely high so that when they choose to eat, day or night, they must work a little for it, just like they do in the wild.
“Also, by using nets or barrels filled with all sorts of food, the crane system provides even more benefits to simulate a natural environment. Add to that, with remote push-button and radio crane control, we can move the food around, engaging the elephants to enjoy a better experience while providing them with a little exercise.”
CRANE ROI
While true return on investment has not been calculated, and the EMH crane has not necessarily oset other operational costs, the EMH crane is considered a total success story and an invaluable resource for Zoo Atlanta and its Elephant Care Team.
At present, there are no immediate plans in place for any habitats that might require a second EMH crane. However, according to a Zoo Atlanta spokesman, “We have full faith in the EMH team and their crane capabilities. We are certain EMH can be counted on to deliver any custom crane needs we might need.”
Engineered Material Handling, 330/220-8600, emhcranes.com.