Is sending an elephant to a private elephant ranch analogous to setting the animal “free?
No, private elephant ranches are essentially large, unaccredited zoos. Although some may have more space than some urban zoos and are not open to the public, the animals must still be contained behind barriers, fed, have their health monitored, and be provided with veterinary care whenever necessary. Some of these facilities allow public visitation. Private elephant ranches, unlike zoos, do not breed animals and usually do not have well-organized conservation, research, and education programs. It should be noted, however, that many national parks in Africa now require the kind of intensive wildlife management practiced by AZA-accredited zoos. This may include population control, veterinary care, food and water supplementation, and habitat enhancement. Some African national parks are fenced 360 degrees to prevent conflict between wildlife and people. Thus, in our human-dominated world, the distinction between the terms “free” and “captive” has been greatly diminished, at least when appl
