Elephants are majestic, intelligent creatures with deep emotional bonds and complex social structures. Yet, across the United States, these animals suffer in captivity, confined to enclosures that are woefully inadequate to meet their needs. The Oakland Zoo recently made a compassionate and groundbreaking decision to close its elephant exhibit permanently. This decision reflects a growing recognition that captivity often leads to profound physical and psychological harm for elephants¹.

Oakland Zoo’s Ethical Decision

For decades, elephants like Osh at the Oakland Zoo have been kept in environments that fail to provide the space, social interaction, and mental stimulation they require. The Oakland Zoo recognized this failure and chose to relocate Osh to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, where he will have the freedom to roam in a more natural habitat, interact with other elephants, and live out his life with dignity².

This decision has set a new standard for how we should care for captive elephants. Unfortunately, many zoos, including the Los Angeles Zoo, continue to confine elephants in small enclosures that contribute to their suffering. Billy and Tina, the two remaining elephants at the Los Angeles Zoo, are prime examples of the tragic consequences of this practice. Despite repeated calls from animal rights groups and the public, the Los Angeles Zoo has yet to take the necessary steps to ensure these elephants are provided with the care they deserve³.

The Harmful Effects of Captivity

The suffering endured by elephants in captivity is well-documented. Confined to enclosures that are often just a fraction of their natural range, these animals are deprived of the ability to engage in their natural behaviors. The result is a host of physical and psychological issues, including zoochosis—a condition characterized by repetitive behaviors like swaying and rocking, which are signs of extreme distress⁴.

A Call for Change

Oakland Zoo’s decision to close its elephant exhibit is a powerful example of what can happen when animal welfare is prioritized over public display. By relocating elephants to sanctuaries, zoos can provide them with a life that more closely resembles their natural environment, where they can form social bonds, engage in natural behaviors, and live without the stress of captivity⁵.

Urging the AZA to Act

The time has come for all zoos to follow Oakland’s lead. The Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has the power to set a new standard for elephant care by making the closure of elephant exhibits and the relocation of these magnificent creatures to accredited sanctuaries a requirement for accreditation. Such a move would not only improve the lives of countless elephants but also reaffirm the role of zoos as institutions committed to the highest standards of animal welfare¹.

Take Action Now

We cannot allow elephants like Billy and Tina to continue suffering in inadequate conditions. The AZA must act now to ensure that all zoos prioritize the well-being of elephants by closing their exhibits and relocating these animals to sanctuaries where they can thrive. Your voice is crucial in making this change happen.

Join us in calling on the AZA to require the closure of all elephant exhibits and the relocation of elephants to sanctuaries. Sign the petition today and help create a future where these majestic animals can live in peace, free from the confines of captivity.

More on this issue:

1. Jason Mastrodonato , Mercury News (14 August 2024), "Oakland Zoo to Close 35-Year-Old Elephant Exhibit This Fall: ‘I Applaud’ Them, Zoo Association President Says."
2. Summer Lin, Los Angeles Times (14 August 2024), "This Bay Area Zoo Is Shutting Down Its Elephant Exhibit. Could More California Zoos Be Next?."
3. Jaclyn Leeds, Courtney Scott, Daily Journal (15 August 2024), "Oakland Zoo Closes Elephant Exhibit, Increasing Pressure on Los Angeles Zoo to Follow Suit."
4. In Defense of Animals (11 July 2024), "MEDIA RELEASE: Pressure Mounts on San Francisco Zoo to Put Animals’ Needs First as Oakland Zoo Ends Elephant Confinement."
5. KTVU (13 August 2024), "Last Elephant to Leave Oakland Zoo."