A new report of the “10 Worst Zoos for Elephants” reveals shocking and horrifying details of widespread abuse in North American zoos endured by thousands of the majestic animals.
This year’s list, published by the animal welfare nonprofit In Defense of Animals, emphasizes transfer abuse, which happens when people repeatedly move elephants between facilities — creating trauma for all elephants involved by separating families and breaking the bonds the social, intelligent animals create.
The report also identifies zoos where elephants languish in isolation — often in cramped, dirty enclosures with unnaturally cold and barren conditions.
These abuses can cause “zoochosis,” a condition of chronic stress that likely results from living in an artificial, substandard environment. Elephants at zoos also suffer from potentially deadly diseases and health problems, such as tuberculosis.
Wild animals do not exist for our entertainment, and elephants don’t belong in substandard habitats that hinder them from fulfilling their social, physical, and psychological needs. By avoiding for-profit zoos and supporting sanctuaries instead, you can enjoy wildlife without contributing to captive suffering.
10 Worst Zoos in North America for Elephants in 2020
10. Hogle Zoo — Salt Lake City, UT
9. Cameron Park Zoo — Waco, TX
7. Natural Bridge Zoo — Natural Bridge, VA
6. Myrtle Beach Safari — Myrtle Beach, SC
4. Seneca Park Zoo — Rochester, NY
3. Pittsburgh Zoo — Pittsburgh, PA
2. Fort Worth Zoo — Fort Worth, TX
1. African Lion Safari — Ontario, Canada
What’s New…
Send ELEPHANTS to a reputable Sanctuary where they can lead healthy and happy lives — It’s heartbreaking to see them suffer — let’s be SMART and COMPASSIONATE — ZOOS are HELL-HOLES for Animals — Animals USED for Amusement go thru LIVING TORMENT 24/7 — NO MORE ZOOS — we MUST PROTECT our Elephants — SHUT DOWN ZOOS.
These people who hurt, mame, abuse& kill animals are dogs themselves. These criminals must be placed in the jungle as see what can happen when you mess the animals in their comfort zone.
ALL !!!!!!!!! zoos need to be shut down ……. ALL OF THEM!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elephants should never ever be in anyplace by themselves…. they are a social societal animal. They need company and mental stimulation. Anything less is servere animal abuse and torture. These laws need changing and upgrading to the welfare of animals that cannot do well on their own and are not treated humanely.
Helping where I can
Most zoo’s need to be closed.. and all the animals be sent to sanctuaries . Zoos need to be used to protect endangered species The cities who allow this cruel and insensitive behavior are also responsible… that these places are allowed to operate uncheck by any humane society supervision is part of this problem and the city council’s whose job it is as “public servants” are obviously not doing their job…
Zoos must be made accountable for the way they treat their inmates, I mean animals
This should be stopped immediately.
Thank you for this important information. As mentioned, other species, as well, such as the Mexican Wolf Program use this tactic–this should be investigated as well, as this program abuses animals of various wild species. This is another Family Separation scheme, which should be further explored.
Why are zoo’s not federally funded to help these animals… This is absurd, especially today, they have the knowledge and research to make these zoo’s a safe place for any animal..
Thank you so much for the awesome work you all do. Keep the petitions coming!
What the hell is wrong with so called humans? Why would anyone do that. OMG
These people who hurt, mame, abuse& kill animals are dogs themselves. These criminals must be placed in the jungle as see what can happen when you mess the animals in their comfort zone.
It’s so sad that animals are at our mercy, and so often there is little to none.
Zoos are suppose to take care and protect these beautiful animals not abuse them. These zoos need to be shut down permanently.
The last time I was at a zoo, I saw this elephant standing alone in a corner of his enclosure; I asked my dad why he’s not moving and he said because he doesn’t have another elephant to play with. I started to cry and we left. I will never forget this poor creature left alone and dying of sadness and poor health.