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THE AZA IS FAILING ELEPHANTS
The Association of Zoos and Aquariums accreditation materials state that all accredited zoos must keep a minimum of 3 female elephants (or 2 males).
As we previously witnessed at Hogle Zoo, the AZA does NOT hold zoos to its set requirements. In fact, three zoos are presently holding female elephants without the company of any other female elephant. Video obtained by CWI shows each elephant appearing despondent and demonstrating stereotypic behaviors.
The AZA's "Elephant Taxon Advisory Group" (which develops recommendations regarding species management) states that they are "compassionate, caring experts" and that they "conserve elephants in a safe and effective manner." The accreditation standards exist based on known science about elephants. Yet the compassionate, caring experts at the AZA do nothing to support the welfare of female elephants kept without the companionship of others of their own species -- something that could be easily accomplished if zoos put elephants ahead of income.
Let the AZA know that singly-kept elephants deserve better than a life spent as a profit center. Indu at Phoenix Zoo, Tembo at Cameron Park Zoo, and Tina at Los Angeles Zoo have a right to more than a lonely life in captivity.
Act Now for Indu, Tembo & Tina - Sign & Share
INDU
In 2024, CWI returned to Phoenix Zoo to observe Indu, and we were disturbed by what we witnessed.
Have you ever seen a human individual in severe emotional or psychological distress rocking back and forth or engaging in some other repetitive behavior? Or have you anxiously awaited a job interview and found yourself tapping your foot or biting your nails? Those behavior are referred to as a stereotypies - meaning that the repetitive behavior serves no function except to soothe the individual's distress.
Animals in captivity experience a similar phenomenon, which is called "zoochosis." You may have noticed an incident of this yourself while visiting a zoo, but were unaware of it.
An elephant swaying, a tiger pacing, a polar bear swimming back and forth in a seemingly endless repetition is stereotypic behavior and a sign of emotional or psychological discomfort.
In 2019 and again in 2024, we found Indu exhibiting zoochosis. During our latest observation, Indu was not interested in moving around her habitat, eating the vegetables available, or responding to the keeper.
Indu was wild captured in 1965. She has lived at three U.S. zoos and gave birth to 6 offspring - none of which are living.
Indu has been alone at Phoenix Zoo since 2021 when her companion Sheena died. A third elephant, Reba, died the year before.
Indu in 2024
Indu in 2019
TEMBO
CWI obtained updated video of Tembo in August of 2024 at Cameron Park Zoo in Waco, Texas -- where temperatures peaked at 96 degrees.
Tembo's tale is absolutely tragic. She was born in the African wilderness in 1977 and ripped from her home just two years later.
She landed at the awful and now-defunct Catskill Game Park in Catskill, New York, two and a half hours north of New York City. When that roadside zoo closed, Tembo was sent to Texas to live at Cameron Park Zoo, and she's been there ever since.
Her last companion, Tanya, died in 2020 at the age of 40 after suffering from a mysterious illness that impacted her circulatory system.
Despite the fact that Tembo is still healthy and young enough to be transported elsewhere, Cameron Park Zoo selfishly keeps Tembo alone on their property. It is entirely unacceptable for the AZA to maintain the zoo's accreditation, when the zoo's actions regarding Tembo's welfare are self-centered and profit-driven.
Human bonds are never an acceptable substitute for same-species connections. The AZA must take action.
TINA
Shame on the Los Angeles Zoo for keeping Tina alone. New video shows how sad and lonely her existence is.
Tina has had an extraordinarily sad life. In 1966, she was born to freedom in the jungle, but was torn from it just one year later. And thus began a hellish life.
It seems hard to imagine now, but Tina was formerly housed at the Nugget Casino in Sparks, Nevada in the 70s and 80s. Tina, along with Bertha, was used for photo ops, at events, in parades, and for other commercial purposes.
Sadly, things went from bad to worse for Tina when she ended up in the traveling circus industry. She was first obtained by Carson & Barnes Circus before being transferred to Cole Brothers Circus in 1985. Tina performed with her companion, Jewel, for Cole Bros and was also leased out for performances with other small circuses. Ultimately she and Jewel were transferred to Will Davenport, who continued to use them at Hamid Circus.
In 2009, the USDA confiscated Tina and Jewel for gross violations of the federal Animal Welfare Act. The elephants were severely underweight and a lack of appropriate veterinary car was also noted. (Tragically - a 3rd elephant, Boo, was left with Davenport though he passed her along to the San Antonio Zoo a year later.)
Tina and Jewel first went to San Diego Zoo and were then transferred to Los Angeles Zoo in 2010. After 40 years together, Jewel passed in January 2023, and Shaunzi, the only other female elephant at the zoo, also died less than a year later.
Will precious Tina be left to life out her life in solitude? Her only company is a male elephant named Billy, but they are not allowed to share the same space. After a horrific life of forced performance, moves, and lost friends, Tina deserves better.
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