What is it?
Every year, IDA releases a list of zoos that have earned a spot on its Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants list.

This list serves to raise awareness about the plight of elephants in zoos where lack of space, unsuitably cold climates, and unnatural conditions condemn Earth’s largest land mammals to lifetimes of deprivation, disease, and early death.

How does IDA determine which zoos make the list?
While most zoos that house elephants deserve to be on the Top 10, IDA considers a number of factors to narrow down the list. These factors include: health problems, lack of space, cold climates, unnatural behaviors, social issues between elephants, solitary elephants, breeding issues, premature deaths, and management style.

IDA’s list of Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants is now in its ninth year. In addition to the Top 10, one zoo earns a Dishonorable Mention while others may be added to the Hall of Shame.

To see which zoos made the Top 10 list, click on the following links:

• 2012 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2011 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2010 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2009 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2008 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2007 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2006 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2005 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants
• 2004 Ten Worst Zoos for Elephants

The Hall of Shame  is a special honor reserved for the worst repeat offenders that have made little or no progress improving conditions for elephants.