Environmental Conditions
Look for clean drinking water, hay, and fresh produce. When water
is provided, observe whether the elephant drinks continuously for
several minutes, an indication of excessive thirst.
Look for evidence that elephants are chained, such as ankle bracelets
and brackets in the floor, ground, or wall. Chains should be a minimum
of 12 feet in length to allow the elephant to lie down and stand up.
Elephants in the wild spend most of their time foraging, roaming,
and bathing. In contrast, elephants in circuses spend most of their
time shackled. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association prohibits
prolonged chaining because the practice is inhumane and harmful. Some
circuses erect small pens surrounded by electrical wire where elephants
are displayed periodically for public relations purposes. Such penning
may not be indicative of how they are typically kept.
Housing any female elephant in solitary confinement, whether in a
traveling exhibit or a stationary zoo, is particularly cruel. Check
to make sure that elephants are housed at least in pairs. If not,
check to see if the singly housed elephants can interact frequently
with others close by. Elephants are highly social, have strong emotions,
and form tight bonds with one another. They feel joy, pleasure, and
compassion, as well as sadness and grief. A female elephant’s
most basic need for her physical health and psychological well-being
is the companionship of other elephants. The American Zoo and Aquarium
Association has a policy against keeping female elephants in solitary
confinement.
Look for adequate shade. Elephants are susceptible to sunstroke and
sunburn. They must have access to shelter.
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Look for clean drinking water, hay, and fresh produce. When water
is provided, observe whether the elephant drinks continuously for
several minutes, an indication of excessive thirst.
Elephants in the wild spend most of their time foraging, roaming,
and bathing. In contrast, elephants in circuses spend most of their
time shackled. The American Zoo and Aquarium Association prohibits
prolonged chaining because the practice is inhumane and harmful. Some
circuses erect small pens surrounded by electrical wire where elephants
are displayed periodically for public relations purposes. Such penning
may not be indicative of how they are typically kept.
"Make 'Em Scream": Watch Standard Elephant-Training Practices
Ringling Bros. Exposed
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