This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.

Topeka Zoo in Kansas failed, on many brutal counts, to adequately care for Shannon, a 35-year old African elephant who died on December 11. Shannon spent roughly ten excruciating hours on her side overnight - with no monitoring of her situation from Zoo staff after they left for the evening.  This is inexcusable since Shannon, the Zoo’s youngest elephant, was found “downed” on her side on the previous day, when the Zoo called firefighters to help hoist her to her feet. 

Worse, medical records indicate that Shannon was suffering for weeks – if not months – showing indications of pain, tremors, and weakness – with little to inadequate intervention by the Zoo!

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) will be inspecting the facility again soon and we do not want the Department to let the remaining elephants down! Topeka Zoo has been cited multiple times by the USDA for animal welfare violations, animal mistreatment, and neglect, making it one of the nation's worst offenders for an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited facility. Remaining geriatric elephants Cora, Tembo and Sunda are no doubt aching for the warm weather and soft surfaces of sanctuary. 

We call on the USDA and the Topeka Zoo to avert further tragedy and release these elephants to an accredited sanctuary immediately.

For more information, see our media release. 

What YOU Can Do

This alert is no longer active, but here for reference. Animals still need your help.