Edvards Ratnieks, the vice-mayor of Riga, has pledged to do everything possible to ensure that elephants return to the Riga Zoo. This announcement was made at a press conference regarding the upcoming merger of the Riga National Zoological Garden with Rīgas meži, during which Ratnieks emphasized the need for a 'flagship animal' to draw more visitors to the zoo. He pointed out that the absence of large animals, such as elephants, is a significant disadvantage for the zoo's appeal.

The local government has previously approved a development concept that controversially proposed removing the elephant exhibition in favor of featuring the white rhinoceros as the main attraction. However, Ratnieks indicated that after the merger, there will be a revision of the zoo’s 'Masterplan 2035', which will allow for a re-evaluation of this strategy. The push for the return of elephants is aligned with the need to reassess the zoo's role in the local community and its ability to attract families and tourists.

Additionally, the merger is partly motivated by the need to swiftly begin the creation of a new exhibition themed 'Himalayas', which is budgeted at approximately 8.35 million euros. This expenditure highlights the urgency that the Riga City Council feels regarding the revitalization of the zoo, aiming to modernize its offerings while also ensuring that it can compete with other attractions. As developments unfold, the potential return of elephants could significantly enhance the zoo's positioning as a key destination for visitors in Riga.