Save Elephants in Captivity

Elephants in captivity are currently facing distressing conditions in circuses and zoos nationwide. Elephants are frequently controlled using force, bullhooks, and chaining for extended periods of time. Bullhooks are cruel devices used in zoos and circuses such as Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey's. Bullhooks are composed of a long rod with a sharp hook at the end, and both the rod and the hook are used to inflict severe pain in sensitive areas of the elephants' skin. Exensive, violent training with the bullhook when not performing trains the elephants to perform in the ring or suffer serious abuse afterwards. Thus, the public is often mislead at circuses into believing that the bullhook, which the trainer carries for the duration of the show, is simply used to "guide" the elephant and not to seriously wound it. In zoos, elephants sometimes must remain in barn stalls for 12 hours a day while zoos are closed. During the winter, they are sometimes forced to remain indoors for weeks on end. This confinement creates a hord of disorders for captive elephants, who in the wild are accostomed to walking up to thirty miles a day. In fact, the leading causes of death among elephants in captivity are foot disorders and Arthritis. Many elephants in captivity barely reach the age of 40, drastically falling short of their life expectancy of 70. Elephants are sweet, sensitive and intelligent creatures that deserve our respect. Exploitation of these amazing mammals is cruel, inhumane and completely unexcusable. Currently, the USDA is receptive to and actively seeking input on all dimensions of elephant care. Under the Animal Welfare Act, there are few standards and regulations to enforce conditions best suited for elephants' special needs. The USDA must be urged to take all measures possible for the drastic improvement of conditions for elephants in the United States. Bullhooks should be prohibited, as well as electric shock devices and chaining. In addition, elephants should be given large, climate-controlled areas in which to roam, socialize and maintain their health. Please sign this petition for the betterment of elephant welfare in zoos and circuses throughout the United States.