Once again in 2017, the Oregon Zoo makes the list of IDA’s (In Defense of Animals) top ten list of worst zoos for elephants. This makes the 8th time the zoo has received this dishonor.
CREDIT: Oregon Historical Society Research Library
Packy’s untimely death is the reason this time, but we would like to add the rampant spread of TB as another along with many more reasons to call out the Oregon Zoo for its poor record of elephant care. The zoo faced stiff competition from the 9 other zoos who made the list. The St Louis Zoo also has a sordid history of breeding disease and death. And the Pittsburgh Zoo trotted out its sickly baby elephant to please zoo visitors. The baby died soon after at less than 3 months old.
The elephants deserve better. They deserve a life in sanctuary, where they will be loved and cared for, not bred and exhibited for profit.
https://www.idausa.org/campaign/elephants/10-worst-zoos-for-elephants-2017/