The shade was only put up a few years ago following a campaign by a charity called Animal Aid Abroad. They raised money for the shelter and also managed to persuade the zoo to leave Karima, the elephant, unchained as often as possible. Prior to this, she had been standing chained to the ground without any form of shade for over thirty years.
I happened to read just that in your excellent review of the zoo, after I had written my comment. For some reasom I had missed both your review of Alexandria Zoo and African Safari Park.
So... "... chained to the ground without any form of shade for over thirty years."
Well, what can one say about such cruelty towards animals? I am simply speechless...
I know that she had been moved around, and had used to spend a lot of time inside the house, especially on very hot or very cold days, but I haven't seen her inside for many years. The statement I made earlier was from what had been written by Animal Aid Abroad at the time. Although it might not be completely accurate, there is sadly quite a lot of truth to it.
I wonder what condition the elephant's hips and joints are in, as standing for 30 years on a hard surface must have taken its toll. Also, the mental capacity of the elephant must have been severely drained due to such a mind-numbing lifestyle. How sad.
Karima the elephant died about a month ago. I was surprised by the large numbers of people who commented after hearing the news on facebook. A lovely creature which led a very sad life.
