Are the Philadelphia Zoo elephants healthy?
In interviews with the media, the Zoo only claims that the elephants are healthy and are “showing no symptoms of problems.” This is meaningless. The majority of elephants in captivity are given massive doses of painkillers to HIDE symptoms. Moreover, zoo visitors have reported that the elephants have in fact showed signs of captivity-induced problems such as stereotypic behavior (neurotic bobbing and weaving) and foot and joint problems. The Zoo has claimed over and over that the elephants are healthy and “show no sign of arthritis or foot infection” (e.g. Keith Hinshaw, Philly Zoo Vet) yet in an interview with KYW (aired on October 23, 2005), Zoo officials claimed that “health concerns are a consideration” for relocating the elephants. We have repeatedly requested medical records for Dulary, Petal, Kallie and Bette. The Zoo has not responded to our requests, even though it receives substantial public funding (OUR TAXES) and should be held accountable for the animals in its care. LETTE
