PETITION TARGET: New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell
Captured from the wild as a calf, Emily was brought to Buttonwood Park Zoo in New Bedford, Massachusetts, in 1968. After spending decades in captivity, the 61-year-old Asian elephant is now the only elephant in the state and has lived alone since Ruth, her only companion, died in 2024.
Wild Asian elephants can roam up to 4 miles a day and live in complex social groups, yet Emily’s small enclosure and isolation deprive her of the space and companionship she needs to thrive.
As an elephant who has, tragically, never lived free as an adult elephant, it would be very difficult for Emily to survive reintroduction to the wild. For animals who cannot safely return to their natural habitats, a reputable sanctuary is the next-best option and would offer Emily far more freedom, enrichment, and opportunities to socialize with other elephants than she has at the zoo.
Sign our petition urging New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell to work with qualified elephant specialists to move Emily safely to a reputable sanctuary, where she could have more space and the chance to live near other elephants.
