In Defense of Animals Urges Feds To End Dangerous Elephant Management Practice

Toledo Zoo attack spurs call for changes to federal animal protection policy

San Rafael, Calif. (July 28, 2010) – The July 7th attack by a young African elephant on his keeper at the Toledo Zoo has reignited controversy over the use of circus-style training and the abusive device known as a bullhook. In Defense of Animals (IDA) today sent a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, requesting issuance of a policy statement that would designate such inhumane and dangerous practices a violation of the Animal Welfare Act.

“The tragic attack at the Toledo Zoo must be a wake-up call,” said Catherine Doyle, IDA elephant campaign director. “The government can’t wait until yet another person is injured or killed before it takes action. Now is the time to declare that circus-style training with archaic bullhooks is abusive to elephants, dangerous for humans, and a violation of federal animal welfare law.”

Circus-style training, also known as “free contact,” relies on painful punishment to train and control elephants. Handlers use the steel-pointed bullhook, a device similar to a fireplace poker, to prod, hook and strike elephants and force compliance with commands. The bullhook is a reminder of the physical punishment that can be delivered at any time.

In the free contact system, the keeper must dominate the elephant at all times. This likely explains why keeper Don RedFox returned to elephant Louie’s stall a second time, after the elephant had already aggressively chased him out. RedFox returned with a bullhook, appearing intent on regaining control of the elephant. The video released by the zoo shows that in the presence of the bullhook Louie is at first extremely submissive and likely anticipates punishment. After RedFox hooks Louie, the elephant attacks.

About half of zoos use “protected contact” management, which relies on positive-reinforcement training without bullhooks. A protective barrier separates keepers and elephants, removing the risk of bodily harm while still allowing for necessary care and veterinary treatment. IDA is calling for all zoos to immediately adopt this more humane and safer alternative for all captive elephants.

In the last 10 years, there have been at least 31 known dangerous incidents involving captive-held elephants in the U.S., including 4 human deaths, 17 injuries (handlers and the public) and 13 escapes. Every incident involved the use of free contact management. This year alone, there have been three incidents, including Toledo. One involved an elephant escape from a circus and the other the death of a circus trainer.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Catherine Doyle, 323-301-5730, zoos@idausa.org