Feds Asked to Investigate Elephant Death

IDA alleges that zoo conditions may have caused Hansa’s death

Seattle, Wash.—The 6 ½ year old elephant, Hansa, who died this week at Woodland Park Zoo after suffering from signs of colic, had a history of ingesting sand and dirt, In Defense of Animals (IDA) charged today, in a letter to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). IDA has asked the USDA to investigate whether the Woodland Park Zoo violated the Animal Welfare Act by holding Hansa in conditions that may have caused her injury and death.

“The facts show that Hansa was held in conditions at Woodland Park Zoo that may have caused her to suffer from colic. The Zoo was aware that Hansa’s sand ingestion was a problem,” wrote IDA President Elliot M. Katz in the letter. “If Hansa’s death was related to colic, then it may have been prevented by moving Hansa and her mother to a suitable facility with the space that elephants need to move and to forage without completely destroying all natural vegetation.”

In its letter, IDA asked USDA to investigate the following facts, based on veterinary records obtained through Washington’s state open records laws:

  • Hansa had a recurring problem with sand and dirt ingestion, which can lead to colic and intestinal blockage.

  • The Woodland Park Zoo failed to monitor Hansa round-the-clock even though it knew she was ailing.

  • Woodland Park Zoo has a history of colic in elephants, with Watoto and Bamboo suffering from recurrent bouts.

  • In 2001, Woodland Park Zoo sought advice for dealing with Hansa’s sand ingestion, citing the need to move her to a grassy area with less dirt and sand to eat.

  • The Woodland Park Zoo’s elephant enclosure is too small to maintain adequate grass and natural foliage for elephant grazing.

  • Colic and digestive disorders are more common in zoo elephants versus wild elephants.

IDA also took issue with Zoo’s assertion that Hansa may have died in her sleep, stating that if sand ingestion and resulting intestinal blockage and/or rupture was the cause of death, it would have been excruciatingly painful.

“IDA is very concerned about the death of this poor little elephant,” said Katz. “Her passing is yet another red flag indicating serious problems in the way zoos keep elephants.”

“Elephants need space, natural conditions and intact, extended families in order to thrive,” Katz concluded. “Zoo conditions are causing elephants to suffer and die. How many more elephants must die before the zoo industry comes to terms with this reality?”

For more information, please visit www.HelpElephants.com.

Read IDA's letter to the USDA