The Tragic Real Life Ending of Chai & Bamboo's Friendship

During the eight months that Chai the elephant’s health declined – including a heartbreaking loss of over 1,000 pounds, infected skin lesions, and three reported incidents where she had fallen and had to be raised to her feet with rigging equipment because she was not able to stand on her own – the Oklahoma City Zoo said there had been “no red flags raised,” regarding her health. It also came out against the use of Chai’s photos, despite the fact that they depict what actually happened, and refers to them as “sensitive images.”

Sadly, last January, a little over a year ago, in the terrible cold of an Oklahoma winter, Chai could hold on no longer. She tragically passed away at only 37 years old, leaving her best friend Bamboo, behind. Now, and without the social support of her long-time companion, Bamboo has been repeatedly attacked by at least one other elephant at the Zoo. She’s had her tail bitten a number of times – the most recent time referred to in public records as “an amputation.” Unbelievably, the Oklahoma City Zoo claims Bamboo is doing “great”... a glib, hollow claim that’s all too reminiscent of the “no red flags” remark after Chai’s untimely death.

Through In Defense of Animals’ donor-funded elephant advocacy campaign, gifts like the one we hope you’ll make today, have led to the closing or planned closing of almost 35 elephant exhibits. Our Ten Worst Zoos report is routinely picked up by media outlets like The New York Times, Huffington Post, Care2, and others. Together, we are making progress. Without you, we can’t give some meaning to poor Chai’s last months, by helping her friend Bamboo to make a final stand. Bamboo is now caught between bullying and crushing loneliness. Her last stand to reach safe haven must be successful. Right now Bamboo needs us to push for her release to an accredited sanctuary where she can live out her days in freedom and peace, with a choice of social companions, and rolling hills of soft grass beneath her feet. Without you, we can’t end elephant captivity.

Please... donate whatever you can to In Defense of Animals now and help us advocate for elephants and end their captivity, in memory of Chai and for friends like Bamboo.