Zoo Miami Imports Elephant Calf Despite Opposition

For Immediate Release:
May 9, 2018

Contact:
David Perle 202-483-7382

Below, please find a statement from PETA Foundation Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews in response to the import of the 7-year-old elephant calf Ongard from Australia to Zoo Miami in Florida:

This young elephant has spent most of his life near his family, including his parents and siblings, and severing these social bonds and subjecting him to the trauma of transoceanic travel is a surefire recipe for stress, aggression, chronic disease, and a shortened life for him. Research has proved that elephants suffer greatly in captivity, and while zoos worldwide are closing their elephant exhibits, Zoo Miami should not be using this calf to try to breed yet another generation of miserable, captive elephants. PETA submitted comments earlier this year opposing this move and calls on all zoos to stop interfering with elephants’ natural lives by moving them around like chess pieces.

PETA’s motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment,” and more information is available at PETA.org.