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Are elephants happy in captivity?

Elephants in circuses and roadside zoos are denied everything that gives their life meaning. Many become neurotic, unhealthy, depressed, and aggressive as a result of the inhumane conditions in which they're kept.



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Due to their physical size, complex social needs, high level of intelligence, large home ranges, diverse diet and large behavioural repertoire, the full welfare needs of elephants cannot be met in captivity. A life in captivity for elephants is inherently cruel and leads to suffering throughout their long lives.

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Howletts is home to the only herd of African elephants in Kent and the herd is the largest in the UK, comprising 13 individuals.

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Elephants suffer in captivity. Elephants in the wild have one of the largest home ranges, often walking up to 40 miles each day. In captivity, whether it's a circus, zoo, or other commercial venue, captivity can not nearly replicate their natural environment.

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Broadly, some elephant experts say urban zoos simply don't have the space that African elephants, who roam extensive distances in the wild to forage for hundreds of pounds of vegetation each day, need for a normal life.

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Anything remaining will be cremated, including even the tiniest of animals. “Everything from guppies to elephants is incinerated,” says Neiffer. While burials were once commonplace at zoos, very few bury their animals anymore.

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Today, there are 50 elephants in 11 zoos across the UK.

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Elephants in circuses and roadside zoos are denied everything that gives their life meaning. Many become neurotic, unhealthy, depressed, and aggressive as a result of the inhumane conditions in which they're kept.

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L ondon Zoo's three elephants, involved in the recent crushing to death of a keeper, are leaving the capital, ending a 170-year presence at the Regent's Park site.

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