Emaciated Asian Elephant Started Life at Busch Gardens

An emaciated Asian elephant named Ned is finally recovering at the The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. He was confiscated by the USDA from circus trainer Lance Ramos because of suspected Animal Welfare Act violations. If Ned were any ordinary circus elephant, most people would not be surprised to learn that he suffered at the hands of humans. But Ned was born at Busch Gardens, which is accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, and then sold to a circus.

Zoos, especially accredited zoos, argue that they play an important role in protecting endangered species. They operate breeding programs, and claim they offer a life free of the risks of habitat loss and predators. But the dark side to this story is that zoo breeding programs often create a surplus of animals who sometimes get sold to circuses or unaccredited zoos. Cute baby animals attract media attention and visitors, which create the incentive to breed beyond capacity.

I don't know why Ned was sold to a circus, but he was. Even though the Asian elephant is an endangered species. Even though he was born at an accredited zoo.

This is not to say that accredited zoos are fine places for animals. Any kind of captivity infringes on an animal's right to be free. But most people expect more from accredited zoos, and do not expect these zoos to sell their animals to circuses.

You can follow Ned's progress online and see photos at The Elephant Sanctuary's website.

Thanks to jenkins07 for posting this news story in the forum.

Links:

• Should Zoos Keep Endangered Species?
  
• Jenny the Elephant Suffers at Dallas Zoo
  
• PETA Offers Animatronic Elephant to Ringling Bros.
  
• Philadelphia Zoo Closes Elephant Exhibit