Elephant conservation news 14 November - 20 November 2009
Construction of a seven-acre elephant enclosure at a Tucson zoo could begin in 2010, officials have said.
The Tucson Zoological Society is now just $1 million away from its target, having already raised $5 million for the new habitat at Reid Park Zoo, astarnet.com reports.
The area, to be named Expedition Tanzania, could become home to up to six elephants, the majority of which will be African. The zoo already accommodates two elephants, and hopes that this expansion will help it develop a successful breeding program.
However, the plans have come under attack by a conservation groups who state that the zoo is not the best place for the animals. Campaign group Save Tucson Elephants argues that the exhibit "will not adequately address the vast spatial and social needs of elephants", and is urging the zoo to relocate the two existing elephants to a sanctuary in Tennessee.
Last week, India's Central Zoo Authority ordered the location of the country's approximately 140 zoo and circus elephants to national parks, sanctuaries and nature reserves.
Commenting on the Indian move, Will Travers from Born Free told elephant.co.uk news: "India has already demonstrated its commitment to animal welfare by banning the use of big cats, bears and primates in circuses, for example.
"This is unexpected yet enormously welcome further progress – clear leadership from the government of India, a country with nearly 30,000 wild elephants, that this species does not belong in zoos.
"Frankly, India's advanced thinking on this issue puts countries like the UK and the USA, [which] continue to allow the exploitation of elephants in both zoos and circuses, to shame."
