Oregon Zoo Murders Packy The Elephant
Oregon Zoo Murders Packy The Elephant
Despite protests from scientists, the public and his own keepers, Packy the elephant was murdered by the Oregon Zoo on February 9 – a date that is now being recognized as World Zoothanasia Day. At 54, Packy was the oldest known Asian male elephant in North America. He was diagnosed with tuberculosis in 2013, yet he showed no signs of distress or discomfort due to his condition.
One of Packy’s keepers stated on a dedicated Facebook page before Packy's death that the decision to kill Packy was, "..not based on science, safety or Packy's best interest. It is a risk based decision made by politicians, attorneys and other officials who fear the future repercussions of keeping him alive."
According to Team Packy, an organization that was dedicated to Packy's wellbeing, a member of the zoo staff was quoted as saying the following during a staff meeting, "How much is a 54 year old bull worth compared to a 4 year old reproductive calf?" These statements seem to reveal the true value that the Zoo placed on Packy – value that was based on economics above anything else.