Are elephants treated well in zoos?

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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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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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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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.

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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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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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Today, most zoos obtain their elephants primarily through breeding, though occasionally zoos will obtain elephants from semi-captive work camps in Asia or rescue elephants that would otherwise be culled in Africa.

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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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