End export of wild baby elephants to zoos, says RSPCA
Undercover footage shows animal suffering
Concerns are growing for baby elephants snatched from the wild in Africa then flown to Chinese zoos after one died and footage seen by the RSPCA shows another very sick.
The RSPCA has launched a petition calling for an end to exports of wild-caught elephants from Zimbabwe after four calves were caught in the north of the country late 2012 then sent by plane to China. The elephants were aged between two and three and so would still be feeding on their mother’s milk.
One elephant has already died and undercover footage shows another very sick young male living in appalling conditions and in need of urgent veterinary care. It is believed that Zimbabwe is planning to send more young elephants to China in the coming months, and even more thought to be ‘on order’ from zoos around the world.
While the export of elephants from Zimbabwe is not illegal under international trade laws, experts believe these animals are suffering greatly from the conditions in the zoos, the stress of such long transportation and the fact they have been torn away from their mothers and social groups at such a young age.
Dr Ros Clubb, wildlife expert for the RSPCA, said: “The footage we have been shown of this poor calf is agonising to watch.
“He looks awful and we fear he will just deteriorate and die if he does not get the urgent veterinary attention he needs. He’s very underweight, his skin is covered in marks and sores and he has a swelling under his belly – which could mean a serious medical condition.
“This young male should still be suckling on his mother’s milk and living in the wild in a big, extended family – but instead he is alone in a barren enclosure.
“This is an awful situation for any elephant, both physically and psychologically, but particularly for one so young who has also suffered the stress of being flown half-way across the world.
“Elephants are large, socially complex, intelligent animals and even modern zoos following the most up-to-date standards are unable to provide for their needs. The conditions I’ve seen in this zoo are simply unacceptable. ”
The footage was taken in Taiyuan Zoo in northern China and shows the poorly baby elephant in a stark, empty cell-like enclosure. Experts say the concrete floor could cause foot and joint problems; the solitary confinement is likely to lead to abnormal behaviours and the way he is pulling off parts of the wall suggests shoddy standards which could be dangerous..
Experienced elephant vets have said the elephant needs immediate veterinary attention but the zoo has so far refused all offers of help. It is not known how well the other two calves, taken to Xinjiang Safari Park in north-west China, are surviving.
Paul Littlefair, Head of RSPCA International said: “The suffering of this elephant and the one who died is just a fraction of the problem. We understand the Zimbabwean authorities are planning to fly several more baby elephants to zoos in China in the coming months – they could all face a similar fate from this cruel trade.
“We urge those who agree with us that these conditions are not acceptable, to sign this petition calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to stop any future exports. The RSPCA hopes that now the authorities in Zimbabwe are aware of the conditions at Taiyuan Zoo, where one of their elephant calves has died and the surviving calf is in very poor health, that they will not allow any more elephants to be sent to zoos where they are likely to suffer. We need to do all we can to protect these majestic animals and ensure that Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife can continue to stay in the wild where it belongs.”
For anyone interested in signing the petition it can be found at: http://www.avaaz.org/en/petition/No_Medals_for_Massacre_Justice_for_Wounded_Knee/
Notes to editor
· Images of the baby elephant are available on request and footage can be found here: https://www.yousendit.com/download/UW13SU5BNDRlaFQ0WjhUQw
· For more information please contact press officer Katya Mira on 0300 123 0290 or katya.mira@rspca.org.uk, or the general press office on 0300 123 0244/0288.
· Under CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora ) legislation, elephants in Zimbabwe are listed on Appendix II which means regulated trade is permissible. Zimbabwe is one of only four countries, along with Botswana, Namibia and South Africa, which has elephant populations classified in this way. In all others elephant populations are listed on Appendix I which means that international trade and export is prohibited for primarily commercial purposes.
· The RSPCA is working closely with other members of the Asia for Animals Coalition, and other animal welfare organisations around the world to raise awareness of the situation, stop further exports of elephants to Chinese zoos, and do all they can to provide advice and improve the lives of the elephants already in the zoos.
· The RSPCA has long called for a ban on keeping elephants in zoos in the UK which is currently under review by the Government. We believe that no zoos are able to provide the necessary conditions to ensure the physical, psychological and social needs of elephants are met. For more information on this please contact the press office as above.
RSPCA, Wilberforce Way, Southwater, Horsham, West Sussex RH13 9RS
Press office direct lines: 0300 123 0244/0288 Fax: 0303 123 0099
Duty press officer (evenings and weekends) Tel 08448 222888 and ask for pager number 828825
Email: press@rspca.org.uk Website: www.rspca.org.uk
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