Date
June 19, 2006
Contact
Bill Dyer
310-301-7730 or
917-309-8973 (cell)
Kristie Phelps
757-423-0093
In Defense of Animals
3010 Kerner Blvd
San Rafael
CA 94901
IDA is an international, California-based animal advocacy organization dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by defending their rights, welfare and habitats.
IDA Calls for Federal Investigation of Elephant Death at Los Angeles Zoo
New Allegations Expose Neglect and Violations of Animal Welfare Act
Los Angeles, Calif.—In Defense of Animals (IDA) has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for an investigation of explosive allegations concerning the death of Gita, the 48-year-old elephant who died at the Zoo on June 10. More than one well-placed source has reported to IDA that zoo personnel first observed Gita in a downed position sometime before midnight of the evening prior to her death, at least 5 hours before veterinarians were alerted to her condition.
L.A. Zoo officials have publicly maintained that Gita was first observed to be down at 5:00 a.m. on the day of her death.
It has been alleged that had Gita been cared for during these crucial hours, she may have survived, or at least her suffering would have been greatly lessened.
Veterinarian Elliot Katz, president of In Defense of Animals (IDA) will release the complaint and details of the allegations at a news conference tomorrow.
What: Press conference
When: Tuesday, June 20, 9:30 a.m.
Where: L.A. Zoo, in front of main entrance
IDA’s official complaint alleges that the LA Zoo violated the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide prompt medical treatment to Gita and by holding Gita for two and one-half years in an inadequate off-exhibit area under conditions that exacerbated her severe arthritis and foot disease.
Gita died prematurely last weekend after suffering for many years from ailments that were a direct result of keeping her in inadequate conditions at the Zoo. Gita is the thirteenth elephant known to die at L.A. Zoo.
For more information see www.helpelephants.com.
View IDA's complaint letter to the USDA.