An innocent zoo visit has turned into a tragedy in Morocco's Jardin Zoologique de Rabat. A father put his 7-year-old daughter on his shoulders, next to the elephant enclosure where Assia was, to pose for a picture.
Then tragedy struck. Assia picked up a large stone with her powerful trunk and flung it outside of the enclosure -- making it past the the enclosure's fence and ditch separating elephants from the guests. The stone hit the back of the girl's head. The girl was rushed to a local hospital for her severe head injuries. But it was too late and, she died hours later.
But this isn't Assia's fault. Captivity does NOT fulfill the physical, emotional and mental needs of complex creatures like elephants. Elephants are built to travel miles every day -- not stand on concrete all day. Elephants thrive in their close family herds -- not alone or with unknown,unrelated elephants. Elephants' large and complex brains aren't designed for captivity; they'll often develop neurotic (stereotypic) behavior, like swaying, out of boredom or as a coping mechanism.
While the zoo hasn't said anything putting her down, many concerned people have hopped on social media "to urge for its life to be spared," reports The Telegraph. It's always possible that someone might seek revenge and hurt Assia.
Sign and share this petition urging the Jardin Zoologique de Rabat to retire Assia to the safety of a sanctuary.
Photo Credit: Aotaro
