News for Florida animal advocates

Yesterday, the Fort Pierce Tribune provided an update on plans to build the National Elephant Center in western St. Lucie County. In the article, center representatives highlighted plans for “elephant meander areas” up to 50 acres in size. This would be great if the center was intended as a sanctuary for the many elephants suffering in America’s substandard zoos and cruel circuses. Unfortunately, instead of a retirement home the National Elephant Center will likely be used to facilitate the breeding of captive elephants and/or as a quarantine facility for elephants imported into the U.S. from Africa.

The Animal Rights Foundation of Florida is opposed to the breeding of captive elephants in the U.S. The problems of captivity- inadequate space, artificial conditions- cannot be overcome even at the largest of zoos. The future of elephants depends on habitat preservation and anti-poaching efforts in their native lands.

You Can Help
1. Waste Management is one of the main financial backers of the National Elephant Center. The company is leasing 300 acres to the center for $1 per year, and has pledged to donate $450,000 to the center. Please contact Waste Management and thank them for their interest in elephants, but urge them to pressure the National Elephant Center to re-focus the project to improving the lives of America’s captive elephants and not to encourage breeding.

Waste Management online comment form.

1. The National Elephant Center will be located a short drive from the Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey circus’ breeding farm in Polk County. Please contact the National Elephant Center and ask them to make a firm statement that the center will not cooperate in any way with the Ringling Bros. circus.

National Elephant Center online comment form.

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