IDA Calls for Federal Investigation of Elephant Abuse at Six Flags

Allegations Expose Violations of Animal Welfare Act

Vallejo, Calif.—In Defense of Animals (IDA) has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for an investigation of the abusive and negligent treatment of elephants at the Six Flags Discovery Kingdom amusement park.

IDA’s complaint alleges that Six Flags has violated the federal Animal Welfare Act by failing to provide adequate veterinary care and failing to provide the space and conditions that are conducive to the elephants’ health and well being.

In addition, the international animal protection organization is calling on the federal agency to investigate based on the following:

  • The forced performances by two Asian elephants, one of whom is elderly and arthritic and the other who suffers from lameness and a chronic foot infection, in shows that include lifting 600-pound logs using their feet, exacerbating the elephants’ degenerative conditions.

  • The health of a 20-year-old African elephant who suffers from severe allergies that cause hives and throat constriction that make breathing and swallowing difficult, has been the victim of aggression and injury by other elephants, and has been abused by park trainers.

  • The subjecting of all the elephants on a daily basis to a coercive system of management that relies on physical punishment and domination, enforced through the use of a bullhook.

IDA is calling on the USDA to intervene by ordering Six Flags to cease using ailing elephants in forced performances and by facilitating the removal of all the elephants to an accredited sanctuary.

The amusement park has already euthanized five elephants due to severe foot and joint disease. The organization charges that cramped and inadequate conditions at Six Flags are causing the elephants’ problems, including foot disease and arthritis, conditions that affect a majority of elephants in zoos.

IDA’s complaint is based on the veterinary records for the four city-“owned” elephants at Six Flags and the expert testimony of an independent veterinarian and a former Six Flags elephant keeper. IDA is unable to obtain records for the three elephants “owned” by the amusement park, though the group is equally concerned about their welfare and has asked the USDA to review their health status.

“I am outraged at the misery of these elephants who are forced to perform for the public’s amusement,” stated veterinarian and IDA president Dr. Elliot Katz. “It’s time to stop the long and painful history of elephant suffering at Six Flags amusement park.”

For more information see www.helpelephants.com. Read a copy of the letter.