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For the sake of elephants in the wild and in captivity, zoos must phase out their elephant exhibits, abandon failed breeding programs and future capture plans, and strive to provide the elephants currently in captivity with a more humane existence.

Nearly all captive elephants were captured in the wild, and even though wild populations are dwindling, zoos are still capturing more. Taken from their families and homeland, elephants in zoos suffer a life of chronic physical ailments, social deprivation, emotional starvation, and premature death. Many zoos still use cruel and outdated circus-style training—beating elephants with bullhooks and keeping them chained for long hours.

Zoos rob elephants of their most basic needs, including social companionship and adequate space to exercise. Zoos keep elephants in unnaturally small groups and routinely shuffle elephants between facilities with callous disregard for the special bonds between elephant friends.

Lack of exercise and long hours standing on hard surfaces are major contributors to foot infections and arthritis, the leading causes of death among captive elephants. According to a study commissioned by the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA), elephants in zoos have significantly shorter lifespans than their wild counterparts.

Zoos operate under the misleading veil of conservation and education when, in reality, these proud and sensitive animals are kept merely as tourist draws to boost sagging profits. Captive breeding will never contribute to the survival of the species because elephants breed poorly in captivity and the offspring who do survive can never be released into the wild. And as far as education goes, keeping elephants in captivity teaches children that it is acceptable to deprive these animals of all that is important to them for the sake of our amusement.

PETA urges U.S. zoos to follow the progressive lead of the United Kingdom, where four facilities have already closed their elephant exhibits. Read about our campaigns to help alleviate the suffering of captive elephants.