Where do elephants belong?
November 4th, 2006 by admin
The current issue of USA Today covers the “Elephant debate: Live in zoo or roam free?” Click here to read the article online (be sure to vote in the online poll, “Where do you think elephants belong?”)
In the article, activists as well as scientists make a convincing argument against keeping elephants in the small groups and small enclosures that zoos provide. Indeed, as the article explains, “a widening circle of critics now question whether elephants belong in zoos at all.”
In the article, representatives from zoos use the same tired excuse that zoos have used for decades- that if people don’t see live elephants in zoos, they won’t care about protecting elephants in their natural habitat. This claim doesn’t hold up when you consider the many endangered species that people care about, such as blue whales, without ever having seen one up close.
The article notes that, “Since 2000, eight zoos have stopped displaying elephants or have announced plans to phase out their exhibits.” Here in Florida, Lion Country Safari (West Palm Beach) recently announced that they will close their elephant exhibit once they find new homes for their remaining two elephants. The two elephants, “Stumpy” and “Mama,” have lived together since the early 1970s. If you haven’t already, please contact Lion Country Safari and ask that the two elephants be transferred— together— to a sanctuary. (Click here for more information.)