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NOTORIOUS OREGON ZOO SLAMMED FOR SECOND ELEPHANT DEATH

NOTORIOUS OREGON ZOO SLAMMED FOR SECOND ELEPHANT DEATH

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Toni Frohoff, Ph.D., toni@idausa.org, (805) 836-0496

Notorious Oregon Zoo Slammed For Second Elephant Death

Portland, OR (December 23, 2015) – In Defense of Animals has slammed Oregon Zoo for the death of a second elephant this year. 45 year old male Asian elephant Tusko suffered a range of captivity-related ailments for decades and has now been euthanized, reportedly after a painful leg injury worsened.

Tusko’s death follows that of Rama, who was euthanized in March aged just 31 for a similar reason – inability to control pain and mobility due to a leg injury.

“The truth is that Tusko and Rama suffered for years and died from captivity-related conditions“ said In Defense of Animals Elephant Scientist, Toni Frohoff, Ph.D. ”Not only did their injuries occur in captivity, but they could not heal while confined to small, unhealthy and unnatural enclosures which undoubtedly cause severe health problems. Even young elephants confined in zoos and circuses get early-onset arthritis, as well as joint, leg and foot problems that frequently lead painful lives and early deaths.“

“Tusko’s death follows a particularly arduous and tragic life in captivity“ said In Defense of Animals President Dr. Marilyn Kroplick. ”Elephants suffer immensely in zoos, where their complex needs cannot possibly be met. Zoos reduce highly intelligent, sensitive animals to little more than ornaments to be used and abused for our pleasure. You can avoid supporting elephant suffering by choosing not to visit the zoo.“

Tusko was forced to endure a hard and tragic life. He was torn from Thailand as a baby and transported to the US where he was bounced around from display in a tiny Miami zoo, to abusive elephant rental company ‘Have Trunk Will Travel’, and finally to Oregon Zoo where he suffered until he died in captivity.

Notorious Oregon Zoo is one of America’s worst, appearing on In Defense of Animals’ Ten Worst Zoos list five times in nine years. Earlier this year, medical records revealed elephants at Oregon Zoo suffering from lesions, abscesses, recurring foot problems, and bullhook abuse.

Tusko leaves behind children Sam and Lily, born into a life of captivity at Oregon Zoo. The pair face a bleak outlook, considering the low life-expectancy for young elephants in zoos.

Intense confinement, unnatural conditions and lack of space cause a range of problems for captive elephants. Zoos are unable to meet elephants’ great physical, psychological and social needs. Elephants are confined to enclosures of a few acres or less in zoo exhibits, which is a tiny fraction of their natural home ranges where they need to walk extensively for circulation, foot and joint health. Their social needs are deprived in unnaturally small zoo groups, and deep kinship bonds are routinely broken as elephants are shuffled from zoo to zoo for breeding.

For more information, please visit: http://www.idausa.org

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In Defense of Animals is an international animal protection organization located in San Rafael, Calif. dedicated to protecting animals’ rights, welfare, and habitats through education, outreach, and our hands-on rescue facilities in India, Africa, and rural Mississippi.

IN DEFENSE OF ANIMALS • 3010 KERNER BLVD. • SAN RAFAEL, CA 94901 • 415-448-0048

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