So it's that time of year again that IDA releases their 10 worst zoos for elephants (unfortunately). The list can be found here-
10 Worst Zoos for Elephants 2020
Here's my thoughts on the list-
1. African Lion Safari-
So the organization that criticizes zoos for keeping elephants in "unnatural", small herds starts their critique of this zoo by stating it "boasts the most Asian elephants in North America"? Shouldn't they consider it a good thing a zoo is keeping 16 elephants? I don't know enough about this facility to truly know about its Exhibit, but I do think elephant shows in zoos are an outdated idea that should not occur anymore. I find the idea about the zoo "operates like an elephant-trafficking cartel" to be a very absurd and ridiculous statement. Yes, the zoo sometimes sells elephants. What's the problem with that?
2. Fort Worth Zoo
I don't think this zoo should be on the list. Its main reason was that they bought two elephants from African Lion Safari, which as I stated above I see nothing wrong with.
3. Pittsburgh Zoo
Maybe if you're so opposed to the zoo using concrete floors for their elephants, you can donate the millions of dollars it would take to change this, IDA. I'm sure the zoo would GLADLY stop using concrete floors for elephants if they had the funding to do so.
4. Seneca Park Zoo
I have no comment on this zoo being on the list.
5. Monterey Zoo
I've never heard of this zoo until now, so can't comment.
6. Myrtle Beach Safari
I can support this zoo's inclusion on the list with the grounds of housing only a single elephant.
7. Natural Bridge Zoo
In my opinion, this zoo should be number one on the list.
8. Memphis Zoo
Do I even need to defend why this zoo doesn't belong on the list?
9. Cameron Park Zoo
So an elephant died in September. For the past six months they have a solitary elephant while making arrangements of what to do. This seems really reasonable as a short term solution. If they still have a singular elephant next time at this time, it's a problem. But don't blame a zoo for something short term that's out of its control.
10. Hogle Zoo
I'm only loosely familiar with this zoo, so have no comment.
Dishonorable mention- Rossamond Gifford Zoo
I find it very unfair to blame the zoo for elephants miscarrying- this is a very normal thing to happen in all species, both in captivity and in the wild. Would they dare claim that a human miscarrying is the cause of abuse? Then why claim it's that way for an elephant? Its also unfair to blame them for elephants dying from an infectious disease. This is out of the zoo's control and is not representative of the facility, assuming its isolated incidents (which for this zoo it is).
What do you think of this year's list?
10 Worst Zoos for Elephants 2020
Here's my thoughts on the list-
1. African Lion Safari-
So the organization that criticizes zoos for keeping elephants in "unnatural", small herds starts their critique of this zoo by stating it "boasts the most Asian elephants in North America"? Shouldn't they consider it a good thing a zoo is keeping 16 elephants? I don't know enough about this facility to truly know about its Exhibit, but I do think elephant shows in zoos are an outdated idea that should not occur anymore. I find the idea about the zoo "operates like an elephant-trafficking cartel" to be a very absurd and ridiculous statement. Yes, the zoo sometimes sells elephants. What's the problem with that?
2. Fort Worth Zoo
I don't think this zoo should be on the list. Its main reason was that they bought two elephants from African Lion Safari, which as I stated above I see nothing wrong with.
3. Pittsburgh Zoo
Maybe if you're so opposed to the zoo using concrete floors for their elephants, you can donate the millions of dollars it would take to change this, IDA. I'm sure the zoo would GLADLY stop using concrete floors for elephants if they had the funding to do so.
4. Seneca Park Zoo
I have no comment on this zoo being on the list.
5. Monterey Zoo
I've never heard of this zoo until now, so can't comment.
6. Myrtle Beach Safari
I can support this zoo's inclusion on the list with the grounds of housing only a single elephant.
7. Natural Bridge Zoo
In my opinion, this zoo should be number one on the list.
8. Memphis Zoo
Do I even need to defend why this zoo doesn't belong on the list?
9. Cameron Park Zoo
So an elephant died in September. For the past six months they have a solitary elephant while making arrangements of what to do. This seems really reasonable as a short term solution. If they still have a singular elephant next time at this time, it's a problem. But don't blame a zoo for something short term that's out of its control.
10. Hogle Zoo
I'm only loosely familiar with this zoo, so have no comment.
Dishonorable mention- Rossamond Gifford Zoo
I find it very unfair to blame the zoo for elephants miscarrying- this is a very normal thing to happen in all species, both in captivity and in the wild. Would they dare claim that a human miscarrying is the cause of abuse? Then why claim it's that way for an elephant? Its also unfair to blame them for elephants dying from an infectious disease. This is out of the zoo's control and is not representative of the facility, assuming its isolated incidents (which for this zoo it is).
What do you think of this year's list?
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