We recently commended Sri Lanka for taking a powerful stand against the ivory trade. Unfortunately, we must now report tragic actions against elephants by the Sri Lankan and New Zealand governments. Recently, the Sri Lankan government “gifted” a baby elephant to New Zealand Prime Minister John Key.

This “gift” will have the consequences of a baby elephant and mother being traumatically and abhorrently ripped away from each other. This is inexcusable and needless suffering, especially for elephant females, who stay with their mothers for life. This horrifying betrayal of family values should not happen in the name of advancing diplomatic relations.

This baby elephant “gift” is a five-year-old female named Nandi. She will be removed from her family, forced to endure grueling and dangerous travel, and exploited as an “attraction” at New Zealand’s Auckland Zoo—where her complex needs cannot and will not be met.

In perpetuating the heartless tradition of treating elephants as commodities, President Sirisena of Sri Lanka is sending a mixed message about his dedication to wildlife protection.

Elephants are not objects to be “given” and there is no conservation in this cruel act of captivity. IDA Elephant Scientist, Dr. Toni Frohoff, has written formal letters reaching out to involved parties to advocate our position:

Asian Elephants Belong in Asia! Freedom for Nandi!

Read more here.