Why are there no elephants at Brookfield Zoo?

After 75 years of housing elephants of all kinds — African elephants, Asian elephants — in 2010 the zoo staff moved its last female African elephant resident, Joyce, from the zoo's Pachyderm House to a California facility where she has lots of room to roam and spend time with companions, which are essential to a ...



People Also Ask

The Brookfield Zoo has a new 6,800 pound elephant. Brookfield Zoo's lone remaining elephant has been shipped out. But zoo officials said Thursday they still plan to bring elephants back in the future.

MORE DETAILS

There are no elephants at this zoo. You won't find elephants in as many zoos nowadays as there were when we were kids. And while this zoo is huge, you won't find this huge animal in its residence. (You can find them at Indianapolis or Saint Louis if that's what you're really looking for.)

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Tatima and Peaches died of natural causes three months apart in 2004-2005. Wankie died May 1, 2005, after being transported from Chicago to Utah's Hogle Zoo. Lincoln Park Zoo officials decided not to continue the zoo's elephant exhibit, instead focusing on a commitment to save endangered black rhinoceroses.

MORE DETAILS

In 2006, the Bronx Zoo announced no further elephants would be acquired, a measure taken by other zoos after calls from the public and animal experts stated that elephants do not belong in captivity thus affecting their natural behaviors as social creatures.

MORE DETAILS

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.

MORE DETAILS

Canada has four zoos with elephants, including African Lion Safari in Ontario; Edmonton Valley Zoo in Alberta; and Parc Safari and Granby Zoo in Quebec. All four are using bullhooks in free contact, meaning elephant keepers manage elephants inside their enclosures instead of behind a protective barrier.

MORE DETAILS

Officials made the decision to “humanely” euthanize the 37-year-old elephant. There were no signs that Penny was ailing, according to zoo officials. That was not the case in December of 2016, when another of the zoo's elephants that was suffering from medical issues was euthanized, The State reported.

MORE DETAILS