Protected Contact Vs. Free Contact

The national elephant center has announced it would be a protected contact facility. Only using ankus to transition elephants that were previously free contact from private owners.
 
Another year and yet another in a long line of tragedies. What is truly senseless is that protected contact would already have saved numerous lives, and yet some keepers persist in going inside enclosures with elephants. I honestly feel extremely sad for the family of the deceased and I'm sure that Dickerson Park Zoo will be yet another zoo that suffers a tragedy and then promptly changes its policy in regards to elephant management.

BBC News - Dickerson Park Zoo zookeeper killed by elephant
 
Several zoos have applied for and been granted management variances. Of notability, Rosamond Gifford, and African Lion safari are to remain FC after the deadline.
 
Does anyone cringe if they see a bullhook or chains still used? I was watching the African elephants get a bath at the Seneca Park Zoo. Now it truly is an experience to see these magnificent animals up close and to look into their eyes. But then I see them being chained and a bullhook used and I feel guilty for even watching. I know the chains are to restrain sudden movement and the hook was used moderately to command, but it was not abused. But I just hate seeing that hook...I feel I've seen at protected contact zoos they used a ball at the end of the hook and touch the elephants through the barrier that way.
 
I don't like chains. I realise that they may need to be used on occasion (bulls in musth, transport containers, etc) However outside of those few uses, I don't enjoy seeing them used.

However, my views are a bit different on bull hooks. I'm not familiar with other facilities, however at my local zoo our elephant is extensive free contact, and the keepers do carry an ankus. I have seen/felt one, and the tips are dull and blunted, they rarely use it and when they do it is just a gentle tap to change directions or initiate a certain action. Under these circumstances, I have zero issues with them. At other facilities, however, I can offer no input.
 
According a Buffalo Zoo docent, the zoo is now protected contact with their two elephants.
 
GraysonDP said:
Does anyone know which zoos still use free contact today? Are bullhooks completely absent from zoos now?
Click to expand...

One you may already know is the Pittsburgh Zoo, which decided to step away from their AZA accreditation in order to remain free contact with their elephants.
 
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