In Defense Of Animals Elephant Action

Today is the first In Defense of Animals International Day of Action for Elephants in Zoos (IDAEZ), a global event aimed at bringing mammoth attention to the plight of elephants in zoos and ending their suffering. Pro-elephant advocates will turn out en masse at their nearest zoos, holding outreach events and demonstrations to educate the public about the tragic effects of keeping elephants in small, impoverished zoo pens where they suffer and die prematurely.

Elephants are highly intelligent, complex and self-aware individuals who have evolved for long distance living. In the wild they range tens of miles a day, live in large, tight-knit family groups, and communicate with one another at great distances. Yet, zoos keep elephants in tiny exhibits of a few acres or less where lack of movement and standing on hard surfaces cause painful foot infections and arthritis - the leading causes of euthanasia in captive-held elephants. The stress and boredom typical of intensive confinement results in abnormal behaviors such as repetitive swaying and head bobbing.

The newest scientific studies document what IDA has been saying all along: zoo conditions and practices have a profound effect on the lives of elephants, drastically shortening their life spans. Simply put, the earth’s largest land mammals just don’t belong in zoos. The elephants need your help!