Pack a Trunk

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TES) and PAWS in California are facilities like no other. TES would allow Jenny to experience true freedom for the first time and in the company of others of her species: African Elephants.

Sending her to the facility in Mexico would keep her on "display" by tourists in cars. Doesn't she deserve to finally retire to a place where she may roam in peace? We're so fortunate today that places like TES and PAWS exist because they are unique. They are a place for retired zoo and circus elephants to finally experience true sanctuary (freedom) with excellent care. It's for this reason I'm not sure why there would be any question (or debate) about which facility would be better for a captive elephant. An incredibly spacious facility with caring staff that offers true sanctuary that is close by -- VERSUS -- a "theme park" in another country? It really does seem like a no brainer to me - ummmmm....?

In the statement on the Dallas Zoo's website it states that sending her to Mexico in an AZA facility is acceptable because it meets the standards of the AZA. However it doesn't provide her any protections under the laws of the U.S. TES in Tennessee (and PAWS) actually far exceeds the standards of the AZA (something left out of this statement) because TES and PAWS are truly sanctuaries where the animals receive the respect, care, and space far beyond what any zoo can provide an elephant.

I'm not an expert in the care of elephants, but I have done extensive research into what the experts say is the best care for captive elephants. It has become an accepted fact that circuses, zoos, and theme amusement parks (such as the proposed new home for Jenny) cannot provide optimum care for captive elephants. The following zoos have sent their elephants to TES or PAWS:
El Paso Zoo, the Milwaukee Zoo, the Mesker Park Zoo, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, the Henry Vilas Zoo, Chehaw Wild Animal Park, the Detroit Zoo, and most recently, the Philadelphia and Alaska Zoos.

I really don't understand the zoo's decision and I sincerely hope that they reconsider.

It seems obvious Jenny should be sent to the 2,700 acre Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, with 300 acres dedicated to a herd of African female elephants, the largest natural habitat refuge in the world. It does not make sense to send Jenny to Africam Safari in Mexico, a drive-thru display park with only 4.9 acres subdivided into 3 separate elephant habitats.

Quoting from above: "The zoo justified its decision [to send Jenny to Africam] by citing Africam's Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) accreditation. In order to achieve accreditation a facility must pass guidelines put forth by the AZA—including its standards for elephant management and care."

Unfortunately, a well respected organization, the Coalition for Captive Elephant Well-Being, does not hold the AZA standards regarding elephant care, in such high regard. The coalition is composed of zoo professionals, animal behavior experts, field, laboratory and academic scientists and legal specialists. In their 2005 report titled Optimal Conditions for Captive Elephants, on Page 7, they state "current AZA elephant management standards are minimal; and, in the authors’ opinion, are generally not supported by current scientific evidence."

While I am sure the AZA improves it's standards, year by year, AZA accreditation is not the final word on elephant care practices.

I hope the Dallas Zoo decides to send Jenny to the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

I keep reading what should be done for the Elephant. But let us be honest, WHY is what being done should be looked at.
Why would a US based zoo send an aging and slightly disabled elephant so far away when there are facilities here in the US?
What is the Dallas Zoo and/or the city of Dallas getting out of it?

This whole situation saddens me to no end and I am appalled at the lack of interest from the Dallas mayor and city council members. As tax payers, we technically have a say in what happens to Jenny. But thanks to organizations like PETA, the city wants to keep their hands clean of any scandal or conflict in this situation. I think had PETA stayed out of it, the city might have been more apt to consider the voices of its citizens. PETA gives causes like this a bad rap, and most officials steer clear of an organization who's reputation is based on protests and "guerilla PR" like PETA's. I'm not a member of PETA or IDA, but I still think Jenny deserves better than what she's being forced to endure.

The zoo's PR suit, Scott Greene's arguements do not hold up at all. The sanctuary isn't accredited by the AZA because it doesn't need to be! IT ISN'T A ZOO!! It is, however, accredited by The Accreditation of Sanctuaries. Elephants who have been sent there see therapeutic benefits to the living environment, enough to add several years to their lives. In the wild, elephants live up to 60+ years. In captivity, 33. Jenny is 32. After already exhibiting self-mutilating behaviors from stress in her own home in Dallas, how long do you think she'll last after she's endured the stress of a move to Mexico, acclimation to a new environment, and possible isolation from other African elephants? I fear not very long.

I am completely baffled as to why the Dallas Zoo has made this decision, why they've kept Dallas citizens in the virtual dark about the entire situation, and how they can say that their decision is in Jenny's best interest. They should be absolutely ashamed of their actions. I know I am.

Huh?

PETA? The same PETA who kills stray dogs actually gives a flying f@#k about an elephant?

This isn't about an elephant. It's about PETA trying to stay in the news.

I'm sure this damn elephant contributed to global warming just by her flatulance. If we ship her to Mexico all of DFW benefits.

Rather than ship her to Mexico maybe we should just have a really big barbecue. You know, for the homeless or maybe as a PETA fundraiser.

Huh?

PETA? The same PETA who kills stray dogs actually gives a flying f@#k about an elephant?

This isn't about an elephant. It's about PETA trying to stay in the news.

I'm sure this damn elephant contributed to global warming just by her flatulance. If we ship her to Mexico all of DFW benefits.

Rather than ship her to Mexico maybe we should just have a really big barbecue. You know, for the homeless or maybe as a PETA fundraiser.

The decision that was made by the zoo ( and some council members?) reeks more from politics than the best interest of jenny the elephant. I have done alot of research on the sanctuary in Tn, and it is very highly respected by people connected with the cre of elephants. The fact that the zoo and others ignored 2 months of requests to meet, then sent out a letter saying its a done deal, doesnt smell good-particulary by a public, tax funded facility, let alone one that is supposed to have the best interest of the animal at heart. They state that they "UNDERSTAND" the facility in Mexico is expanding their herd.Is That a written guarantee? Would they follow up on this? Is it deal breaker if that isnt done in a certain time, or would they wash their hands of it and had it go away by that time. I think if they were to listen to outside elephant experts, they would get a consensus that the sanctuary in Hohenwalde is the best place to retire Jenny; is someone going to listen? It is actually somewhat a shame that PETA has become involved in this, because it makes it all too easy to point the finger of extremism at them, at times justified, and whitewash the whole thing with that brush. That shouldn't obscure what is really going on here. I dont know what the behind the scenes deal is with the place in Mexico and the Dallas zoo, I think it deserves investigation by a reporter, but I would be surprised if there is not one lurking there, at worst, or at best, this boils down to the egos of those making the decision getting their dander up and not wanting to back down. It is all a shame. Jenny, as in the past, will be the one to pay, and she has no voice of her own--which is why as many concerned people as possible should raise theirs in her defense of 2 decades of entertaining the dallas public-- she deserves that much.

An Open Letter to:
Greg Hudson (Dallas Zoo Director)
Mayor Tom Leppert
The Dallas Zoo board of directors
Paul Dyer, Director of Parks and Recreation Dallas City Council Members

We are respectfully requesting that the leadership of the Dallas Zoo kindly reconsider the Zoo's recent decision to move ”Jenny” -- the zoo's last remaining African elephant -- to a Mexican theme park. The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee (TES) and PAWS in California are facilities like no other.

TES has already offered to take her at no cost to the zoo (or the taxpayers) and this opportunity would offer “Jenny” true freedom for the first time and the company of others of her species: African Elephants. Sending her to the facility in Mexico would keep her on “display” for tourists in cars while TES would allow her hundreds of acres to explore.

We are so fortunate today that facilities such as TES and PAWS exist and it’s for this reason that we are questioning the zoo’s decision.

Why would there be any question about which facility would be better for a captive elephant? A Mexican theme park --VERSUS -- a true sanctuary that is close by with spacious facilities, caring staff, and excellent care. It’s not as if there are no other alternatives for Jenny – this is why we cannot understand your zoo’s decision!

Also, we didn’t find any good answers from your statement on your web site about this decision. In the statement on your website you state that sending her to Mexico in an AZA facility is acceptable because it meets the standards of the AZA. However it doesn't provide her any protections under the laws of the U.S. TES and PAWS actually far exceeds the standards of the AZA (something left out of this statement) because TES and PAWS are truly sanctuaries where the animals receive the respect, care, and space far beyond what any zoo can provide an elephant.

Elephant experts agree that the AZA practices leave much to be desired when it comes to meeting the needs of captive elephants. We are not experts in the care of elephants, but we have done extensive research into what the experts say IS the best care for captive elephants.

It has become an accepted fact that circuses, zoos, and theme amusement parks (such as the proposed new home for Jenny) cannot provide the optimum care for captive elephants.

Please consider that the following zoos have sent their elephants to TES or PAWS: El Paso Zoo, the Milwaukee Zoo, the Mesker Park Zoo, the Louisiana Purchase Gardens and Zoo, the Henry Vilas Zoo, Chehaw Wild Animal Park, the Detroit Zoo, San Francisco Zoo, Los Angeles Zoo -- and most recently, the Philadelphia and Alaska Zoos.

Why not join them? Please consider what the experts in the field know is true about the health and well being of elephants. They need LOTS of space and a natural habitat, (in the wild they constantly move) and the companionship of other elephants (of their own species) in order to be healthy. After so many years of service to the Dallas community, (and zoo) doesn't "Jenny" deserve better? Please, we urge you to support sending "Jenny" to a life of sanctuary now -- doesn't she deserve to finally retire to a place where she may roam in peace with her own kind?

We understand that PETA has offered you an “all expenses paid” trip to experience first-hand the incredible care Jenny will receive at TES. Why not take them up on their offer before any final plans are made? What have you got to lose? If you have the time, we urge you to take a look at the sanctuary web sites (listed below) to see how other retired elephants have been able to finally thrive when they have the right conditions and are allowed to simply be elephants. www.elephants.com or www.paws.com Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best wishes to you, Zoo Board Members, Members of the Dallas City Council, and Dept. of Parks and Recreation who will undoubtedly be reconsidering this decision in the coming days and weeks.

We would like to thank you for re-considering this decision for Jenny – we urge you to please do what is best for HER. Sincerely, Sally Rowley, Dallas
Sandra MacLean, Fort Worth
Kelly MacLennan, San Francisco

So a quick question: if the Tennessee facility is such a great place and the AZA standards regarding elephant care are so lax, then why is the Tennessee facility not AZA accredited?

Could it be that the facility does not meet AZA standards? As it is, we just do not know. At least with AZA accreditation we know that a third-party has inspected and approved of the physical plant, animal husbandry practices, and standards of veterinary care. Without this accreditation, we don't have an objective means to determine the quality of the facility. It may be great, or not. We just don't know.

The main argument seems to be that a sanctuary is by definition a better environment for animals than a zoo. This seems patently false. The fact that the animal will be on display for others to watch and learn from seems to be PETAs main complaint. This anti-zoo philosophical issue should play no part in the discussion of quality of care the animal may receive.

I applaud Spencer Campbell for presenting a fairly thorough view of this controversy. We still have yet to hear from the Mayor and other City Council members ... but I'm sure that will be next, very soon.

I also commend the Dallas Zoo for making a decision to find companionship for Jenny. And, for suspending their elephant exhibit... at least for now. Both good decisions.

BUT... the Dallas Zoo is making an equally bad decision to send Jenny to a facility outside the U.S. It's unknown yet why that facility was even considered. Many facilities within the U.S. have AZA-accreditation, medical staff, and AFRICAN elephants. Why Mexico?

Maybe Spencer Campbell will find out and let us know.

Jenny does belong to the residents of Dallas; she's resided at the Dallas Zoo for over 20 years. She has brought joy and awe to children and adults, she has inspired many to champion her cause even now. Jenny deserves sanctuary for the remaining years of her life... the opportunity to be with elephants... and acres of land to call home!

Jenny should remain in the U.s. at a sanctuary, As it's said these days... it's a no-brainer!

Thanks... djh

In regards to #4: "The sanctuary isn't accredited by the AZA because it doesn't need to be! IT ISN'T A ZOO!!"

According to the AZA website (http://www.aza.org/Accreditation/CertList/index.html) the AZA does certify related non-zoo facilities such as Have Trunk Will Travel in California and the Gorilla Haven in Georgia. The fact that The Elephant Sanctuary does not have this accreditation means that either they do not feel like they should bother with the AZA accreditation or they do not meet the standards.

As a zoo that does value AZA accreditation, the Dallas Zoo is making the right decision to only consider other AZA facilities.

As for not having "any protections under the laws of the U.S." (comment #8) most of these protections actually are based either on state anti-cruelty laws, or international treaties such as CITES (to which Mexico is a party).

One last note, #10 asks "why Mexico?" to which I ask "why not?" A quick glance at a globe will tell you that Puebla City (80 miles southeast of Mexico City, about 1000 miles from Dallas) is closer to Dallas than the PAWS facility in California, and indeed is closer than much of the US. If the (non AZA accredited) PAWS facility is acceptable, then why not the closer and AZA accredited Africam facility? Could it be anti-Mexican bias?

For those of you who just accept what the Dallas Zoo says (without question) and believe that that AZA standards mean something when it comes to elephant care, I can tell you that the AZA "standards" actually mean very little when compared with the exceptional care (with space and freedom) provided at the sanctuary.

I'm not an expert, but I've read quite a bit about what elephants need so please don't take my word for it, but read what the experts say like Dr. Cynthia Moss.

The AZA allows earth's largest land mammal (weighing up to 5 tons) to be confined in an enclosed space. This is what many zoos do and this causes big physical and emotional problems for these creatures (often fatal osteomylitis in the feet) that are meant to constantly roam in a herd. They constantly move in the wild and sleep up to 4 hours at time -- but not on concrete!

Sanctuaries do not lock up, chain, or prod the elephants. They have free access to move about in a natural environment. They have access to a heated barn when they wish or, they may roam freely outdoors and choose their own companions. They sleep and roam peacefully with companionship, but most importantly - THEY make the choice about what they will do, when they will do it, and with whom! Please, I invite you to take a look for yourself at www.elephants.com 0 they also have an elecam which is quite wonderful!

There are plenty of pictures on the site and you can see the lack of stress in their faces! What I see when I watch Dulary (formerly of Philly zoo) watching over Misty as she naps is pure joy and contentment on their faces. Watching any of them in the mud as they bask is an absolutely delight.

So please, before you judge AZA over sanctuary care please do some research and compare what you see on the face of a zoo elephant compared to a sanctuary elephant. I think a picture is worth a thousand words when it comes to this issue. Don't take my word for it though, judge for yourself.

Here are the resources:

www.elephants.com

http://www.dallaszoo.com/

Compare the two and then tell me which animal you think is better cared for with a higher quality of life!

Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Sally Rowley
Dallas, TX

And here we go again with the great zoo vs. sanctuary debate. I want to start by firmly stating that I do not believe one facility is far superior to the other. But here is what I see…

OPINION: “For those of you who just accept what the Dallas Zoo says (without question) and believe that that AZA standards mean something when it comes to elephant care, I can tell you that the AZA "standards" actually mean very little when compared with the exceptional care (with space and freedom) provided at the sanctuary.”
“I’m not an expert, but I've read quite a bit about what elephants need so please don't take my word for it, but read what the experts say like Dr. Cynthia Moss.”

FACT:
http://aza.org/AboutAZA/Documents/ElephantStandards.pdf
http://www.taosanctuaries.org/news/eleguide.htm
http://www.elephants.com/TESGuidelines.docI have watched this zoo vs. sanctuary issue be debated over and over. My question is: If you aren’t an expert, then how can you possibly judge any of these facilities (AZA or TAOS accredited) OPINION:“AZA standards mean very little”.

FACT: http://www.taosanctuaries.org/news/eleguide.htm and http://www.elephants.com/TESGuidelines.doc

The Elephant Sanctuary’s own standards and those by which they are “accredited” state:

“Enrichment:
2) Any herd of less than five individuals is not considered a viable social group. Every effort should be made to house elephants in groups no smaller than five. “

FACT: http://www.elephants.com/elediary_africans.htm

The Elephant Sanctuary only has THREE African elephants Zula, Tange and Flora. Therefore, this tells me that they don’t even adhere to their OWN standards. I suppose one really wanted to argue, they could question if they have ulterior motives for wanting to obtain Jenny for their “herd” in order to come one elephant closer to the required five for a “viable social group”.

OPINION: “The AZA allows earth's largest land mammal (weighing up to 5 tons) to be confined in an enclosed space.”

FACT: http://www.elephants.com/african_elediary_photos/5_9_08_Flora.jpg

It is clear to me from this picture, that elephants in a TAOS accredited sanctuary, in this case The Elephant Sanctuary, are confined in what some would consider enclosed spaces comprised of what appear to be heavily rusted metal.

FACT: http://www.taosanctuaries.org/news/eleguide.htm and http://www.elephants.com/TESGuidelines.doc

They even use the word “confined” in their own standards:
18) Enclosures must be maintained free of feces and waste, washed daily, and disinfected weekly. If elephants are confined indoors they must have ample space to ensure that they do not stand or sleep in their own waste.

QUOTE: “They constantly move in the wild and sleep up to 4 hours at time -- but not on concrete!”

FACT: http://www.elephants.com/expansion.htm#african_barn
According to the Elephant Sanctuary’s own website their own barn floors are of concrete

“12/13/03: Construction Update
The hydronic floor heat has been installed, the concrete floors poured”

FACT: http://www.taosanctuaries.org/news/eleguide.htm
TAOS guidelines state, per the Shelter:
“Floors should be constructed of poured concrete, at least 6 inches thick, pitched to the back, with ample drainage.”

FACT: The Elephant Sanctuary even has pictures of the elephants sleeping on said concrete floors.
http://www.elephants.com/images/MistyDelhi.jpg

QUOTE/OPINION: “They have access to a heated barn when they wish or, they may roam freely outdoors and choose their own companions.”

FACT: http://www.taosanctuaries.org/news/eleguide.htm and http://www.elephants.com/TESGuidelines.doc

16) Elephants must have free choice access to the outdoors during suitable weather.
18) Enclosures must be maintained free of feces and waste, washed daily, and disinfected weekly. If elephants are confined indoors they must have ample space to ensure that they do not stand or sleep in their own waste.

This tells me that the elephants do not have 100% free reign to come and go as they choose and that there will be times when elephants are confined indoors on “b) Concrete floors should be covered with solid wood platforms or rubber matting.” (per TAOS guidelines)

OPINION: “AZA "standards" actually mean very little when compared with the exceptional care (with space and freedom) provided at the sanctuary.”

FACT: http://www.taosanctuaries.org/news/eleguide.htm and http://www.elephants.com/TESGuidelines.doc

TAOS standards do not require a full-time veterinarian per their own website
1) You must have access to a veterinarian familiar with elephants. The more often a veterinarian visits the barn, the more comfortable he/she will become with the elephants. Even if the facility is protected contact, it still is important that the veterinarian and elephant are comfortable with each other.

Would you not agree that the TAOS and Elephant Sanctuary guidelines for veterinary care are exceptionally basic?
I see on the TES website where they have two elephants that have died this year. One “unexpectedly”.

My research finds that total overall care is what accredited zoos look at, not just space. Africam Safari has full-time veterinarians, nutritionists and other animal staff members.

OPINION: “There are plenty of pictures on the site and you can see the lack of stress in their faces!"

FACT: http://www.elephants.com/elediary_photos/3_30_08aMinnie_Lottie_Queen.jpg
http://www.elephants.com/elediary_photos/3_30_08bLottie_Queenie.jpg
http://www.elephants.com/elediary_photos/3_30_08cQueenies-gift.jpg

They look pretty stressed in these pictures to me, but that is just my opinion.

But let's be honest here. They have pictures of deceased elephants on their website. I can’t imagine a zoo could (or would even try to) get away with something like that, but this Sanctuary doesn’t seem to have a problem from animal rights groups about it.

The real problems seems to be that even though, in my opinion, the Dallas Zoo has made a good decision to move Jenny to another facility, people now want to dictate where she should go. I can’t help but find myself feeling like these people are more about closing down zoos and aquariums than they are about the elephant.
The sad thing is, I feel as if the zoo is damned if they do….damned if they don’t. They’ll never be able to convince people who don’t like zoos, and that’s not really their responsibility. It’s to teach our children and to inspire them about nature and her animals. Sanctuaries are closed to the public, zoos are not. If the Dallas Zoo sends Jenny to Africam, it still will retain legal custody of the elephant while she resides at Africam. If they send her to the sanctuary, the sanctuary would want full custody. That means that when Dallas has elephants again, Jenny would not have the option of returning to her home in Dallas.

Thanks for all the info and different opinions provided. Very helpful.

Some other info to take into account.

The PAWS Sanctuary in California (www.pawsweb.org) is not closed to the public (they allow visitors) and has a elecam that allows you to watch the elephants on their website.
Maggie from the Alaska Zoo has flourished there (she only arrived last fall) and she has gained back weight, her health and has bonded with the herd.

For more information about Maggie's story see this web site.
http://www.friendsofmaggie.net

TES in TN is closed to the public but also has an elecam and a very good website to keep up to date with the elephants and their progress. I have volunteered (they have volunteer days) at TES and I can tell you that it is a top notch facility geared specifically for elephants! The barn is heated and ventilated with a comfortable floor easy on the delicate foot of an elephant.

Actually, as long as they are not receiving special treatments -- the elephants may come and go as they please - they are not forced into the barn. Some come back to the barn at night - others, stay in the habitat exploring for days at a time. On cooler winter nights, I believe most come back to the barn voluntarily.

Another important thing to remember is that TES and PAWS both receive elephants who were abused and neglected and some who are actually suffering from fatal conditions such as osteomylitis or even TB often because of the neglect and abuse suffered at the hands of either the circus or zoo industry. (Famous Lota only lasted a couple of months at TES before she passed away.) I don't think there's anything wrong with showing that reality on their web site.
It's the reality of the way elephants have been treated by these industries and the state of the health when they are received by TES. Better to have it out in the open I think.

Elephants honor and mourn their dead. I think some of the pictures you are referring to are of Delhi who died with dignity and received loving and caring 24 hour hospice care -- I don't believe she wasn't even expected to live as long as she did before she got to TES. TES may have even extended her lifespan. The other elephant who recently died in the field was Queenie and some of the photos show her being mourned by the herd and I think the photos show the incredible sensitivity of these creatures who were mourning and saying goodbye to one of their own. This happens in nature - why hide it from the public? TES has nothing to hide, they really are a top notch facility.

I didn't see any photos on the website that were offensive.
They showed the sensitivity and diginity of these creatures and how well they are cared for and they showed how they thrive in FREEDOM. Also, there are many other photos of elephants napping while another watches over protectively --they also are seen napping together.

How often do you see this behavior in a zoo?

Other photos include roaming in the habitat, in the water - all of these you can watch on the web 24 hours a day if you wish on the elecam.

It's too bad that those of us who grew up and feel bonded to Jenny cannot continue to watch her progress on either the PAWS or TES elephant cam on - line. That would be a real treat because without it we'll have to take the zoo's word for it! Or, we'll just have to hope that the Africam park is every bit as qualified as the Dallas Zoo claims it is. The Africam park's web site leaves much to be desired, and the Dallas Zoo hasn't done enough to explain to the public why they're shipping Jenny out of the country when two great facilities exist here in the U.S. that will allow us to still keep in touch with our Jenny.

Jenny's "home" isn't Dallas or the Dallas Zoo.

Her home is Africa where she was taken from her home and family.

Rather than shipping her out of the country, please let her live in the U.S. at a sanctuary specifically for elephants.

Reply to #4.
What you say about PETA making our council not listen is just not true. I have been talking to our city council about the conditions of the elephants at our zoo for over 2 years. I know of many other Dallas residents who were also specifically concerned about our deplorable elephant exhibit who also contacted them. They never listened to our concerns... now IDA and PETA get involved and this issue is finally getting press... people are finally talking. I am not a member of either of these organizations... but I am glad they are helping.

To #13 Megan
You really have too much time on your hands. Your ability to twist and play semantics is great. However I do know that it flies in the face of logic to imply that housing her by herself (since all the other elephants at this park are asian), in a cage that is less than 5 acres (much less I am assuming as the other elephants have to go somewhere) is better than a 300 acre facility with 3 other african elephants.
As far as the vetrinatrian issue. In the wild elephants live 20-30 years longer without medical care than they do in our facilities with vets. Maybe because space is good for elephants.
If only the earth were really flat, I could believe, respect and trust everything you said.

My comment is directed to MEGAN # 13 -- I've followed your lead and done some copying and pasting also.

One of the "dead" elephants that you mentioned might just have been DELHI. If you find the material on the TES web site offensive you might want to direct your comments (and ire) instead towards the industry that caused DELHI's fatal condition rather than The Elephant Sanctuary. Did you know that Delhi was the first elephant ever to be confiscated by the USDA because she was so badly abused?
If you're interested please READ FURTHER TO FIND OUT.

THIS HER BIO BELOW taken from The Elephant Sanctuary's web site http://www.elephants.com/delhi/delhi_bio.htm

Delhi was born in the wilds of India in 1946. She was captured as a baby and sent to America on a cargo ship where she was purchased by the Hamid Morton Circus. She performed with them until 1974, when she was sold to the Hawthorn Corporation, a company that trained and rented elephants to circuses. For more than 50 years, when Delhi was not on the road performing, she was chained with the rest of the Hawthorn circus elephants in their windowless barn in Illinois.

As with many elephants in captivity, Delhi’s feet began to deteriorate and in April, 2002, a Hawthorn handler soaked her feet in full-strength formaldehyde causing severe chemical burns. After 20 months of continued inadequate care, the USDA exercised emergency intervention, confiscated Delhi and turned her over to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee on November 23, 2003. Delhi became the first captive elephant in American history to be seized from her owner for inhumane treatment, and her condition lead to a landmark case of federal prosecution and the eventual release of the rest of her herd three years later.

Delhi, the Sanctuary’s ninth resident, arrived with an advanced case of osteomyelitis—a life threatening bone infection affecting several toes of her front feet. This disease has never been cured in elephants and currently there is no reversal for the damage done—it is permanent. The Sanctuary made preparations for hospice care, unsure if Delhi could survive her condition much longer. However, Delhi decided she had other plans. After 50+ years in the circus, she was at last free, surrounded by good veterinarians and loving caregivers, and nothing was going to prevent her from enjoying it!

The USDA required Delhi be quarantined from all the other elephants for the next 8 months, so a special barn and yard was set up to accommodate her. Caregivers pampered her with foot soaks and playful soccer games, she took daily naps in her yard and soon began to thrive in her new home. On the day she was finally released from quarantine, the gate opened her world to the full habitat and Delhi did not look back! She eventually climbed the hill behind the upper pond and spent the rest of the summer there in peaceful solitude, surrounded by quiet forest and visited often by caregivers and all the other elephants.

In early 2006, Delhi accepted a short “taxi ride” to join her resident herd in the Sanctuary’s newly expanded Asian habitat. That same summer, Misty arrived and they shared a tender reunion. With Misty by her side, Delhi suddenly had a new sparkle in her eye. They remained inseparable companions until March 11, 2008, when at the age of 62, Delhi quietly passed away in her sleep.

We are honored to have been Delhi’s caregivers and forever thankful to have been loved by such a kind and wise being. Namaste dearest Delhi.

REPLY to Megan # 13
Sally here. Yes, I am not an expert on captive elephants, but if I had it to do all over again I would choose to be an elephant care giver (expert) for my life's work because they need as many advocates as possible today to educate people such as yourself about their plight.

One of the pictures of the dead or (dying) elephants that you find so troubling on the TES site just might have been DELHI. Delhi was so abused by those in the circus industry that she was the first elephant ever to be confiscated by the USDA (one of the Hawthorn elephants) and released to TES because the abuse was so severe. She was not expected to live long after her arrival at TES.

The graphic details of her abuse as well as her bio are available, take a look at this link below if you want to learn more. She made remarkable progress (lived much longer than expected) and managed to get some joy out of life even after all she had been thru-quite remarkable and inspiring -- at least it is to me!

Here's the link to her bio and story:
http://www.elephants.com/delhi/delhi_bio.htm

If you are still troubled by what you read (or see) on the TES web site you might want to consider directing your negative comments to the industries that caused the suffering -- rather than to TES. TES actually cared for her and gave her much happiness and joy in her last years after a very sad life. You might even find the research to be a "mind opener" for YOU. Good luck and Namaste.