Along with the arrival of each new year, comes the release of our annual list of the 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants in North America.

This year’s list has a very unique #1 Worst Zoo entry that broke the mold by unabashedly pointing out the “con” in so-called “conservation.”

Dallas, Henry Doorly and Sedgwick County zoos – “The Terrible Trio” – are colluding to attempt an atrocious and highly controversial plan to take 18 young elephants from Africa so they can be exploited in cramped and dismal U.S. zoo exhibits for the rest of their lives. The zoos falsely claim that the elephants are overpopulated where they are, and that they must be killed or moved. Viable options have been offered to keep the elephants in Africa where they belong, yet the zoos continue to insist on the import, driven by their greed for profit.

In Defense of Animals’ 10 Worst Zoos list educates and informs by lifting the veil of deceit and exposing the mis-education that zoos so often propagate. This list is essential in generating media coverage of critically important issues facing elephants and other animals in captivity, and those living in the wild who may be ripped away from their families to live in public display facilities. The list helps change society’s perceptions about zoos, influences policy and legislation to help animals, and puts local pressure on zoos to do better – or do best by shutting down their inadequate exhibits for good!

Despite the cruelty that we expose, please remember that notable progress was made in 2015 and the positive trend is continuing, with more North American elephant exhibits closing every year.

Let’s Work Together

We thank you, our friends in this fight for justice, for helping us continue the venerated 10 Worst Zoos tradition. However, we cannot celebrate until such a list is no longer needed – when all remaining captive animals are living out their lives in peace and comfort in certified sanctuaries.

Read the list, share it, and stay tuned for our updates that include regular opportunities to help and positive actions that we can take together to help liberate elephants and other animals from the confines of tyranny and greed.

These elephants will not be forgotten, no matter how alone, remote, or hidden they – and their tormentors – may be. You’ve stood by us and we will continue to be steadfast and stand by the elephants with, and on behalf, of you.

Please take a look at the list, share it now, and consider supporting In Defense of Animals with a regular gift.

P.S. If you would like to volunteer to help elephants (or other animals), please email us at elephants@idausa.org to apply.