How did the Bronx Zoo retiring their elephants come about?
In 2006, around the time we introduced our legislation, the Bronx Zoo announced that they would be ending their elephant exhibit because they could not accommodate for the needs of these animals in captivity. (And jeez, if they can’t do it, how can Madison Square Garden?) Keep in mind that an elephant in a natural setting will walk up to 30 miles a day! That’s why it’s so incredibly sad to see these animals chained 95% of the time when they’re not performing in the circus. We’re talking about a life of misery and captivity for literally 8 minutes of “entertainment” during each of Ringling’s shows. What would you say is the biggest problem for animals in this city? The biggest problem for animals in NYC and beyond is that they can’t vote. Of course, I’m not suggesting that we give animals the vote, but that lack of a voice in the political process has for too long left animal welfare issues out in the cold. Politicians listen and enact laws when they know there are politically organized
