GALT,
Calif., Oct. 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- A new
peer-reviewed study published in the journal Peer J,
"Continuing challenges of elephant captivity: the captive
environment, health issues, and welfare implications", has
found that, despite recent efforts by zoos, captive elephants
continue to face serious problems. This study represents the most
up-to-date and accurate account of the persistent if not
insurmountable challenges faced by captive elephants.
"This study raises the fundamental question of whether elephants
belong in captivity," said lead author Catherine Doyle, Director of Science, Research
and Public Policy for the Performing Animal Welfare Society
(PAWS).
"Elephants have exceptional needs, which are met in nature in
huge home ranges that sustain their intricate social networks,
wide-ranging movement, and behavioral and cognitive complexity. We
found that the considerable mismatch between the captive and
natural environment negatively impacts elephant well-being in
captivity, with disturbing consequences for these
animals."
The authors synthesized thousands of scientific papers,
conducting a broad review of current literature addressing various
facets of elephants' lives in captivity: space, sociality,
cognition, diet, and welfare concerns such as abnormal repetitive
behaviors, physical health, and life expectancy.
The study concentrated on the most recent findings and
representative zoos which, in most cases, are accredited by
professional associations and therefore expected to hold a higher
standard of care for elephants than unaccredited facilities.
Researchers examined areas of incremental improvement in zoos as
well as those that continue to present serious welfare
challenges.
Key findings from the study include:
- Scientific evidence overwhelmingly indicates that elephants do
not fare well in zoos.
- Despite an increased focus on elephant well-being, ongoing
health and welfare issues persist, suggesting that the captive
environment is inherently unable to support elephants' physical,
psychological, and emotional well-being.
- Limited space and resources are factors in zoos' inability to
provide for the basic physical (e.g., space) and social needs of
elephants.
- Fewer U.S. zoos are holding elephants. The number of accredited
zoos displaying elephants has dropped from 67 to 49 in the last
decade, reflecting the challenges of keeping these complex
animals.
- Government regulations and zoo association guidelines are not
sufficient to ensure a healthy environment for elephants.
"The shortcomings of zoos for elephants are well-documented in
this peer-reviewed paper, which contradicts claims that elephants
are thriving in captivity," stated Dr. Bob
Jacobs, Professor Emeritus, Colorado
College. "The study provides an overview of the questionable
conditions under which elephants "survive" and the detrimental
effects of these conditions for their overall well-being. The
factual evidence is overwhelming: elephants, as autonomous,
intelligent, social beings, do not flourish in captivity."
"Our assessment demonstrates unequivocally that elephants are
suffering severe psychological and physical ailments and
unnaturally short lives in zoos," added co-author Dr. Lori Marino, Adjunct Professor, Animal Studies,
New York University and President of
the Whale Sanctuary Project. "In this peer-reviewed paper we
elucidate the striking disparity between what elephants need to
thrive and what is available in accredited captive facilities.
There is no longer any debate to be had."
This study provides a deeper understanding of the significant
problems that persist for elephants in zoos and questions whether
their captivity can be ethically defended.
Dr. Jacobs concludes, "The confinement of elephants can only be
justified by ignoring the incontrovertible scientific evidence,
which clearly indicates that elephants do not belong in
captivity."
To read the paper, "Continuing challenges of elephant captivity:
the captive environment, health issues, and welfare
implications", visit
https://peerj.com/articles/18161/#the-captive-environment.
For more information please contact:
Catherine Doyle,
Performing Animal Welfare Society – cdoyle@pawsweb.org,
323-301-5730
Lori Marino, New York University, Whale Sanctuary Project –
marinolori@outlook.com
About the Performing Animal Welfare Society
(PAWS)
Founded in 1984, the Performing Animal Welfare
Society (PAWS) provides lifetime care for captive wild animals
rescued or retired from circuses, zoos, and the exotic "pet"
trade. PAWS' 2,300-acre sanctuary located in San Andreas, California, provides a permanent
home to elephants, bears, big cats, monkeys, and other wild
animals. PAWS is accredited by the Global Federation of Animal
Sanctuaries. For information about PAWS, visit www.pawsweb.org.
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SOURCE Performing Animal Welfare Society