IDA Calls for Federal Investigation of Giraffe Death at Six Flags

Tragic event highlights history of animal suffering and death at amusement park

Vallejo, Calif.—In Defense of Animals (IDA) has filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) asking for an investigation into the death of a two-year old male giraffe named Makonnen at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif., as a result of a fire in the giraffe barn.

IDA has asked the USDA to investigate whether the tragic death was caused by lack of proper facility maintenance, resulting in an electrical outlet malfunction in the giraffe barn. The federal Animal Welfare Act (AWA) requires exhibitors to maintain housing facilities in good repair in order to protect animals from injury. IDA also cited concerns with lack of overnight monitoring of animals at the park.

“Makonnen’s tragic death highlights the plight of the animals confined at Six Flags Discovery Kingdom,” stated IDA president Elliot M. Katz, DVM. “Wild animals like giraffes, elephants and tigers simply do not belong in the noisy, stressful, and unnatural environment of an amusement park.”

In the decade since Six Flags took over management (and complete ownership as of August 31, 2007) of the amusement park, dozens of animals have died, including both of the park’s orcas (killer whales), five elephants (plus two full-term calves), and several dolphins. In addition, there have been numerous safety transgressions, including the mauling of a woman by a tiger in a photo opportunity, the overheating death of a sea lion, and the goring of a trainer by an elephant.

In June, IDA filed a complaint with the USDA, alleging that Six Flags has violated the AWA 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. IDA cited the forced performances by two Asian elephants, one of whom is elderly and arthritic and the other suffering from lameness and a chronic foot infection, in shows that include lifting 600-pound logs using their feet, exacerbating the elephants’ degenerative conditions. In addition, all of the elephants are subjected to an inhumane system of management that relies on physical punishment and domination, enforced through the use of a bullhook.

“Six Flags has a long and terrible history of animal suffering and death,” said Katz. “It’s time to put the welfare of the animals first and remove them entirely from the Six Flags amusement park.”

For more information see www.helpelephantsinzoos.org. A copy of the letter is available upon request.