Kudos for John Van Doorn's excellent commentary detailing the harsh reality experienced by Wankie the elephant and her unfortunate predecessors ("Elephants start dying when the gates close," May 9). Sadly, recent tragic events at the San Diego Zoo reveal a more systemic problem with the handling, care and confinement of elephants at zoos that is even more bleak.
More than 90 African elephants, most captured in the wild, have died in North American facilities since 1990. In fact, 92 percent of elephants forced to live in captivity never even reach age 40, an age far short of their natural 70-year life expectancy.
Not a single death was from old age. Compare the lives elephants in zoos live with those of their wild counterparts and the reasons why become disturbingly clear.
In the wild, African elephants have the freedom to walk 30 to 50 miles a day over varied terrains —— which is essential for their physical and mental health —— swim in watering holes, and interact with their families.
By contrast, even under the "best" conditions, elephants in zoos are forced to live in unnaturally small enclosures that come nowhere near approximating their native habitat. In fact, American Zoo and Aquarium Association regulations require as little as 1/40th of an acre of yard space per elephant.
Clearly, unnatural confinement, isolation from family, lack of freedom of movement, and absence of a normal social structure take an intense physical and emotional toll on elephants. Captive elephants commonly suffer from foot and joint problems, stress-related disorders such as impaired immune and kidney function, stereotypic behaviors such as weaving, and aggression, sometimes directed at keepers to frequently fatal ends.
Given these facts, it's a miracle Wankie made it to 36 years old. Let's hope public outcry over her unfortunate death inspires the retirement of elephants from zoos nationwide to more suitable sanctuaries and prevents similar tragedies from occurring in the future.
Lawrence Carter-Long is a Brooklyn-based issues specialist with In Defense of Animals, an international animal-rights group.
