My thoughts on each zoo individually:
Let me begin by saying that I highly disagree with this list. Not just because the IDA is an animal rights group and I overall don't respect their agenda, but because some of these comparisons are such stretches that it's honestly foolish. This list is nothing but propaganda, but at the same time it's worthy of discussion just to see if these zoos really deserve this labeling.
Bronx Zoo: Let me just say that until about 10 minutes ago I had no clue Maxine had passed. Admittedly, holding just two elephants separate from one another is a bit of a messy situation. This also doesn't meat the updated AZA standards overall leaving Bronx in a bit of a predicament. As unfortunate as the situation is, I have faith it will be resolved sooner than later. However, I cannot deny this looks very bad for the zoo. Really not too sure how to feel about this one.
Natural Bridge Zoo: But I know exactly how to feel about this one. There isn't a whole lot left to say about Natural Bridge that hasn't been said already. Its been established that this is a very scummy place and it's elephant conditions are just about the worst in North America. The fact that Bronx is being considered worse is mind boggling. Easily the worst zoo on the list, for both elephants and every under animal stuck in this place.
Dallas Zoo: The biggest head scratcher of them all. But Dallas on this list, home to one of the most dynamic elephants herds and overall best elephant habitats in the country being anywhere near this list is absurd. The biggest complaints here are that two "traumatized" elephants, Nolwazi, and Amahle, were separated from their heard during the transport to the Fresno Chaffe zoo last October for breeding purposes. Unlike the IDA however, these zoos are doing something to try and conserve these animals by putting in the work to do so. Dallas and their inclusion on the list is so very strange in so many ways.
Louisville Zoo: Now this one is also one I have some mixed feelings on. I will fully come to terms with the fact that the Louisville elephant exhibit isn't too great. Two elephants (different species in a rather unremarkable yard. However, I think what really bothers me about this one is how they phrase their criticism. The zoo female African elephant was artificially inseminated and is due to give birth later this year. The IDA references the MeToo movement, implying that artificial insemination is the equivalent to raped or sexually assaulted. This obviously isn't the case and to say such sounds so totally obvious its almost funny. Louisville's elephant habitat isn't too great, but these remarks are so cringeworthy that it honestly makes the zoo look better to me at least.
Roger Williams Park Zoo: Honestly I do not know much about the zoo's elephant management, but I don't quite grasp the aspect of bullhooks still being used when every other zoo in the nation has phased them out (Barring Pittsburgh). However, There is no free contact so I really don't see he issue here.
Birmingham Zoo: A shock first timer. The main complaint here is the same a Dallas and it holds up about just as well. It complains that the zoo is separating it's all bull heard just for profit to create more elephant calves. This is some how a bad thing by their standards, and despite an excellent habitat and a impressive achievement they continue to bash the zoo for attempting to sustain the population.
Caldwell Zoo: Main arguments including elephants dying prematurely and only a single elephant left at the zoo at the moment. Not a whole lot to add, as I think this is a situation the zoo should handle rather quickly, but I think the fact they said 46 was prime breeding age for elephants really shows how much they really understand what their talking about.
Topeka Zoo: This is a strange one. I will admit that the zoos elephant exhibit is... not good. Putting the exhibit aside for a moment to focus on the main complaint, the death of a 58 year old asian elephant earlier this year, I think the IDA needs to except that just because an animal dies doesn't make it the zoos fault. 58 is rather old for an elephant and even under substandard conditions the fact that the zoo kept her around that long is respectable. However, a new exhibit is greatly needed.
Seneca Park Zoo: Seriously? This one was just flat out dumb, as the placement on the list has nothing to do with the care, records or exhibit for their elephants. In 2018 the zoo adopted a dog to interact with the heard of elephants at the zoo. And your probably wondering whats so terrible about that. The IDA put the zoo on the list because the zoo said they considered their elephants elderly. Yup, thats it. This was their main counterpoint.
@Echobeast really does have a point, It feels like I'm losing brain cells writing this.
Milwaukee County Zoo: Any other year and I will fully admit that this would make since, but not this year. The zoo moved it's elephants to a habitat six times the size of the old yard last October, and the IDA complains that the zoo is doing the wrong thing by improving their animals conditions. Of course, nothing a zoo does will ever be good enough to meet the standards of these guys it seems. No worries IDA, I'll be their the day the exhibit opens and I'll get some nice photos for you.
The Oregon shaming is so strange I really don't feeling writing about it, and I don't know enough about this Wild ventures place to form an opinion. This list was a real head scratcher like every year. I must say that I was shocked to find that Columbus and St. Louis were omitted despite both having calves die. Not that I'm saying they deserve to be on here, as there was nothing either could have done to prevent it, just surprised they weren't added considering how the IDA goes about these lists.
I wasn't aware of that, either.