Group urges closure of zoo's elephant exhibit

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

By Ben Bauman

Topeka - Zoo watchdog organization In Defense of Animals (IDA) is urging the city of Topeka to close the Topeka Zoo's elephant exhibit. IDA recommends the closure as a necessary part of the city's efforts to improve animal welfare at the highly troubled institution, where several animals have died in recent years. In a letter sent to City Manager & CEO Norton Bonaparte today, IDA calls for sending the elephants to a facility far better suited to their needs, such as a spacious, natural-habitat sanctuary.

"IDA is deeply concerned that the elephants at the Topeka Zoo are living in woefully inadequate conditions that fail to meet their most basic needs, including room to roam, large social groups, and an appropriate climate," said Catherine Doyle, IDA captive elephant specialist. "IDA urges the City to close the elephant exhibit and divert the vast resources required for elephant care to improving the welfare of many more animals at the Topeka Zoo."

City spokesman David Bevens acknowledged receipt of IDA's letter.

"We appreciate the input and the time she (Doyle) took to tell us of her concerns," Bevens said. "As we look toward a fresh start at the Topeka Zoo, we will think about what she has said."

Zoo Director Mike Coker's retirement is effective December 25. Bevens said today the available zoo director's position has not yet been posted.

The group's release goes on to say: "Zoo records indicate that both elephants suffer chronic foot disorders that zoo industry experts acknowledge are caused by lack of space and movement, and hard surfaces such as concrete. The elephant Sunda suffers "deterioration of digits" (bones) in one front foot, and displays abnormal repetitive rocking, a sign of stress and poor welfare. The elephants - one of whom is Asian and the other African – have acted aggressively toward one another, resulting in injuries, likely due to differences between the two species."

IDA also says; "The Topeka Zoo provides only three-quarters of an acre for the elephants, who, in the wild, would walk tens of miles a day. Cold weather further compounds the problem, as elephants are forced indoors into tiny cages for the majority of Topeka's long, freezing winters, greatly restricting movement necessary for good health."

According to IDA, elephants are the most expensive and challenging animals to keep in a zoo, where they require intensive maintenance, especially of the feet, due to lack of space for movement.

IDA says 18 zoos have closed or will close their elephant exhibits, including major urban zoos in Chicago, New York, Detroit, Anchorage, San Francisco and Philadelphia.