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Toronto Zoo elephants leave for California sanctuary

VIDEO: Three ageing elephants from the Toronto Zoo make their way to a sanctuary in California. Rob Malcolm reports.

TORONTO – After numerous delays, the convoy carrying three elephants finally left the Toronto Zoo late Thursday night.

Toka, Thika and Iringa were transported shortly before 10:30 p.m. to the PAWS Wildlife Sanctuary in California.

They were originally supposed to depart yesterday morning but weather and a last-minute inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency pushed back the departure time.

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Former game show host Bob Barker is paying for the move.

Toronto city council voted in 2011 to send the elephants to a sanctuary near Sacramento after animal rights advocates voiced concern for their welfare.

The trip is expected to take about 50 hours with a number of handlers and veterinarians travelling with the elephants.

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They were escorted to the U.S. border by the Ontario Provincial Police.

Crates carrying two of three elephants leaves the Toronto Zoo on Oct. 17, 2013. Global News

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