The Elephant With A Troubled Past

Activists, Experts Locked In Battle Over Depressed Pachyderm's Future

(CBS)  She doesn't look capable of causing such a controversy. But Jenny, a five-ton African elephant and a favorite at the Dallas Zoo for 22 years, is moving on. And that's the problem that's caused an outcry, CBS' Dr. Debbye Turner Bell reports.

There have been protests, a city council meeting, and costumes.

Jenny's been an emotional wreck for years, having been taken from her mother in the wild, then abused as a circus animal.

At age 10, she was donated to the Dallas Zoo.

When her companion, Keke, died in May, the Dallas Zoo made plans to send Jenny to the African Safari in Puebla, Mexico. Jenny would be in a five-acre exhibit with another female to live out her golden years in peace.

"We want what's best for her," said Gregg Hudson of the Dallas Zoo. "Get her in a place where she can have a companion, get her as much space as possible ,and get her the total care she needs to be a happy healthy elephant."

But activists want her to go to the elephant sanctuary in Tennessee, where she'd share 300 acres with three other elephants.

"No place else in the world can offer her that kind of environment," said Margaret Morin, director of the group Concerned Citizens for Jenny. "And we're going to make sure she goes there, because we care about her and she's family."

But because the Tennessee sanctuary is not accredited, some animal experts worry there's not enough oversight. And so the elephant with the unhappy past now has people fighting over what's best for her future.

[lisakane1]

The CBS report that The Elephant Sanctuary is "not accredited" is misleading and factually incorrect. The Elephant Sanctuary is accredited by USDA, the State of Tennessee and The Association of Sanctuaries. Although The Elephant Sanctuary is not accredited by the American Zoo Association (AZA), one would not expect that since it is not a zoo.
Zoos and sanctuaries have different goals and missions. Zoos exist for people; sanctuaries exist for their residents. It follows that the rules that govern these different operations are not identical. Nevertheless, The Elephant Sanctuary meets or exceeds all relevant zoo industry standards related to animal health, the timely and expert provision of veterinary care and staff safety. The Elephant Sanctuary exceeds zoo industry standards for space and rich social options provided to its elephant residents. Finally, please remember that AZA standards allow both the chaining and corporal punishment of zoo elephants to this day. The Elephant Sanctuary absolutely forbids either practice.

Respectfully submitted,
Lisa Kane

[curious_mind]

- kateell -

You are correct. The sanctuary is accredited. I do not know the criteria of this particular association but in viewing the AZA (the other guys), their guidelines are not really that impressive. So I don''t think that missing this AZA acronym on on the stationary is anything to be worried about.
Let''s have the sanctuary give KC a tour and see what is really going on. As an alternative, I wonder if Lisa Ling is busy this week. This is another cutie with a brain, a camera and a source for distribution.
Maybe someone can tell us how money is involved in the choice of new homes also.

[kateell]

The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is
Accredited by The Association of Sanctuaries
Licensed by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA)
Kate Elliott, Managing Direction The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee

[dnite3]

pjdallas1 let me ask you something...lets say you lived in a grocery store would you ever need to go anywhere to get food...no...point this is a misnomer of elephants...first they only walk that far for food and water...put an ample supply in one place and they would not be walking...those animals in the wild also go threw droughts, have predetors, disease, human incrouchment, etc...maybe we should make the sanctuaries and zoos do all of those because this is also what they have in the wild (note there is no such thing as wild anymore. there are boundries on all areas in the world..this means technically the elephants are all in captivety.) Funny thing about cracks in nails...it does not cause death lack of care causes death...I have cracked a nail and I dont even walk on them...I am not dead yet...finally all animals are like people. their genetics are different...I cant say all humans live to 80years...they dont...some live to 10 or less...this stands to reason that all elephants will not live to 60...I cant say all of us(animals) will die of old age...thats ubsurd...as for boycotting zoos and circuses...I became interested in elephants because I visited my local zoo...I have watched animal planet...etc...but I was motovated only when I got to see those animals up close and personal...I am sure it is the same for both sides of this topic.

[dnite3]

bcelefan oh you are right is most cases about the 24hour care but be carefull you are lumping all together again. I asked about the AZA stuff remember they are guidelines not rules most do more than what is written. as for no public, copout. This is why especially for this instance I hold zoos in higher regards. they are in your face and any mistakes or good things that happen are in the public eye. those behind locked doors can write or say anything they want no way to prove it. Remember facts are still subjective and no matter what people say especially those hidden behind closed doors are less trusted with facts and can say what ever they want. flora should be in a herd (define, more than two) but you make up your own definition.

[dnite3]

first off I did not or would not ever put the injury or death of anyone lightly, bcelefan. that still does not change the fact of what you said, they have access to the same barn as the other two, this still means she is alone. As for the pictures that is great but before 08 there is no picts of them together. Understand if you are next to something /someone this still does not mean you are with them. In fact you have no bulls.why? they are worth saving arent they. you house flora "alone" why not bulls. as for carols past your right she does not deny her past. the people that I have talked to that are in the animal fields have never denied the past of zoos but they have all changed with the times. Just like carol. I have always taken offense of those who lump everyone together. there are some bad people/programs in the world and I agree they should be removed but before these sanctuaries and other extremists shout get rid of the animals, etc. I think they should get accurate info also.

[bcelefan]

pjdallas1 many of us are awake. WE cannot change history BUT we can change the future. Whether we like it or not, regarding Sanctuary''s, they cannot take every captive elephant in North America. So what is left - Zoos. They have their Species Survival Plan (SSP). The SSP regarding births in elephants is disastrous, less than 10% survival rate, with some dying at a young age. The AZA and Zoos state the Sanctuary does not have 24/7 care (The Elephant Sanctuary does). How about Zoos? How many times do you hear "XX, was found dead this morning, by elephant keepers" The staff leave at the end of the day, security roams the park. Who does not have 24/7 care? Look at Lincoln Park Zoo. Two elephants passed away in a very short time, animal advocates wanted Wankie (the last elephant, google her) to go to The Sanctuary. Zoo Director, Kevin Bell followed the AZA direction and moved her. She died on route to the new zoo, in an unheated container in freezing temps. Fact Mr Bell is also Vice Chair of the AZA Board of Directors. Conflict of interest?? Check out the names of the AZA Board of Directors! No wonder animals in zoos especially elephants, can''t win. IT is the Zoos that need to wake up. More $%u2019s for the animals in their "care" - less on Management wages. This is for Jenny, write and call the Dallas Mayor. Let him know you are not happy and the best place for Jenny is The Sanctuary and why. Be polite and most important be factual.

[pjdallas1]

PEOPLE WAKE UP!!! This is the problem with zoos and animal circuses!!! Ask yourself if it is right to take a baby elephant away from it''s mother and ship it with one or two other baby elephants afraid and alone to the U.S., beat them to make them submissive, then throw them either in a zoo where there isn''t the 20 acres they''re used to roaming per day, or abuse them to stand on their heads at circuses and live a life 11 months out of the year in rail cars and in chains where they can only move three feet forwards or backwards. They then get arthritis and neck problems but are still forced to perform. They get cracks in their feet from standing without walking enough then get an infection which causes their death. We MUST BOYCOTT ANIMAL CIRCUSES and ZOOS! IT''S ALL ABOUT THE ENTERTAINMENT DOLLAR, NOT THE ANIMALS!!! If you love animals PLEASE take your children to animal sanctuary open houses where your children will learn the proper treatment of wild animals. They aren''t to stand on their heads and get bullhooked! Ringling Bros. is being sued by the ASPCA for their animal abuse. Trial begings Oct/Nov ''08. Also, MASTERCARD, VISA, GENERAL MILLS, FORD, SEARS, LUCKY BRAND AND DENNYS, to name a few have disconnected from Ringling Bros. because of viewing the undercover videos of abuse. Let''s all do the same!

[bcelefan]

MommaKat64 There is a "grass roots" organization in Dallas working to get Jenny to The Sanctuary here is their website - they have all kinds of info for your there. http://www.concernedcitizensforjenny.net/Take_Action_For_Jenny.html
On the right hand side is :CCFJ Contacts click on those two words and in the new window will appear contact emails if you wish to write for more info. They will be able to assist you with all the names you need. Jenny has many supporters around the world and she would love you to help support get her Sanctuary.

[bcelefan]

dnite3 I wish you would get some of your facts straight and not twist the truth. But we are all entitled to our opinion. Yes a caregiver was killed by an elephant at the Sanctuary. Joanna was a very important member of the Sanctuary family. It was a tragedy. We all remember and miss her to this day. But have not elephants also injured and/or killed trainers in the circus and at zoos. Scott was injured(foot in cast) during the same incident. The African you speak of Flora, at the Sanctuary is not housed alone. She is in the 300 acre African habitat and has access to the same barn as the other two African (Tange and Zula) elephants. Flora has her own area (known as Flora''s Acres) as this is what makes her happy. If you go to the African Diaries at www.elephants.com you will see Flora does have a friend in one of the two original Africans - Tange - they do get together and are friends. There is a currant picture of them together in the diaries. You must have missed that info. As for Tarra it is well known about her early years. Carol Buckley has never denied this fact. You really should read her books. She learned this was wrong and realized that Tarra and other captive elephants need more - hence the Sanctuary. The Sanctuary is not open to the public to give these majestic giants dignity. Is that not what we as humans want - respect and dignity. But this is for Jenny to give her the best and The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee is the BEST.

[dnite3]

Unfortunetely the sanctuaries are not what they are crack up to be. Tennessee-- did you know that one of the staff was killed by an elephant and another seriously hurt.
Did you know that one of the african elephants has been housed alone since she arrived in 2004. Why? I thought they were sopposed to be better than zoos. They are calling this single elephant out why not Flora. Did you know that the founder of Tennessee trained an elephant to roller skate in her early years. She changed (or did She?) that is just a highlight of the things I found.
It seems this zoo is trying to whats best and I dont think the sanctuaries are the answer but the hidden problem...there not open to public...why not...zoos are.

[yask1]

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

"said Gregg Hudson of the Dallas Zoo. "Get her in a place where she can have a companion, get her as much space as possible ,and get her the total care she needs to be a happy healthy elephant."

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

"said Gregg Hudson of the Dallas Zoo. "Get her in a place where she can have a companion, get her as much space as possible ,and get her the total care she needs to be a happy healthy elephant."

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

"said Gregg Hudson of the Dallas Zoo. "Get her in a place where she can have a companion, get her as much space as possible ,and get her the total care she needs to be a happy healthy elephant."

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

"said Gregg Hudson of the Dallas Zoo. "Get her in a place where she can have a companion, get her as much space as possible ,and get her the total care she needs to be a happy healthy elephant."

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!

[yask1]

"said Gregg Hudson of the Dallas Zoo. "Get her in a place where she can have a companion, get her as much space as possible ,and get her the total care she needs to be a happy healthy elephant."

if that were true, the elephant sanctuary in tenn. or paws in calif. would win hands down...
it''s the same old aza party line... they just want to retain control and show little or no regard for jenny!!
five acres with vehicles encroaching on their space is a formula for cruelty!!