No More Elephants in India's Circuses and Zoos

by Stephanie Ernst · 2009-11-12 19:51:00 UTC
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In Defense of Animals has just sent out word of good news for elephants in India. Recognizing that zoos and circuses can't possibly, even in the best of circumstances, meet these animals' needs, the Central Zoo Authority has ordered the release of 140 captive elephants in the country. They will be moved to "semi-free ranging conditions" near national parks and on protected wildlife reserves.

Veterinarian, wildlife biologist, and IDA's executive director Dr. Anand Ramanathan makes excellent points in IDA's press release, asking how the United States can still fail to step up when India can recognize the problems inherent to captive breeding of elephants and the failure of captive programs to aid in real-world protection of species in their natural habitat.

If a country such as India, which has thousands of years' experience managing elephants in captivity, can make such a forward-thinking decision, then certainly the United States can take a stand against circuses that exploit elephants and sub-optimal zoo exhibits that cause elephants to suffer and die prematurely.

To be clear, this ban does not affect any other animals held captive in circuses and zoos. But it certainly is good news and progress for elephants. What's the holdup, America?

Read more here.

Stephanie Ernst wrote the original Animal Rights blog at Change.org until December 2009. She can now be found at Animal Rights & AntiOppression.
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