8/11/26 - Emily Is 61 and Has Spent More Than a Year Alone
2 days ago
2 min read
Emily is 61 years old. She has spent more than a year completely alone at Buttonwood Park Zoo since her longtime companion, Ruth, died in December 2024.
Emily arrived at Buttonwood Park Zoo in 1968, when she was only four years old. For decades, Ruth was the only other elephant in her life. Now, in her senior years, Emily remains isolated in an institution that has already said she and Ruth would be its last elephants.
Elephants need other elephants
Elephants are deeply social animals. Zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums aim to house elephants in groups of at least three because companionship is fundamental to their well-being. Yet Emily has no elephant family at all.
Another New England zoo has shown that a different choice is possible. Roger Williams Park Zoo recently announced plans to move its three aging elephants to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee so they can remain together and continue to have the companionship of other elephants as they grow older.
Buttonwood Park Zoo, the City of New Bedford, and the AZA should act with the same urgency for Emily. At 61, she does not have unlimited time. She should be moved to an accredited elephant sanctuary where she can have space, specialized lifelong care, greater choice, and the opportunity to live near other elephants.
Friends of Ruth & Emily is holding a peaceful Rally for Emily in New Bedford on Saturday, August 15 at 12 noon. Supporters will gather on the pedestrian bridge over Route 18, spanning from the MBTA Commuter Rail station at the Whale’s Tooth Parking Lot, 532 Acushnet Avenue, to Purchase Street.
Friends and family are welcome. Please check the Friends of Ruth & Emily webpage for any weather-related updates, cancellation, or rescheduling information before attending.
Please speak out now. Tell the AZA that Emily should not spend the rest of her life in solitary confinement at Buttonwood Park Zoo. Ask it to help secure her transfer to an accredited elephant sanctuary.
