Reader: Denver Zoo exhibit Toyota Elephant Passage's name has a funny smell to it

Yesterday, Melanie Asmar posted about the renaming of the Denver Zoo's ambitious Asian Tropics elephant exhibit as Toyota Elephant Passage in recognition of a $5.4 million donation from local dealers. For one reader, though, the moniker conjures up an unwanted image...

By Michael Roberts

December 6, 2011

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Yesterday, Melanie Asmar posted about the renaming of the Denver Zoo's ambitious Asian Tropics elephant exhibit as Toyota Elephant Passage in recognition of a $5.4 million donation from local dealers.

For one reader, though, the moniker conjures up an unwanted image.

Jon S. writes:

"Toyota Elephant Passage" makes it sound like Toyota named their latest model after elephant dung.

For more memorable takes, visit our Comment of the Day archive.

Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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