End export of wild baby elephants to zoos

22.02.2013

Concerns are growing for baby elephants snatched from the wild in Africa then flown to Chinese zoos after one died and footage seen by us shows another very sick.
 

We have launched a petition calling for an end to exports of wild-caught elephants from Zimbabwe after four calves were caught in the north of the country late 2012 then sent by plane to China. The elephants were aged between two and three and so would still be feeding on their mother’s milk.

One elephant has already died and undercover footage shows another very sick young male living in appalling conditions and in need of urgent veterinary care. It is believed that Zimbabwe is planning to send more young elephants to China in the coming months, and even more thought to be ‘on order’ from zoos around the world.

While the export of elephants from Zimbabwe is not illegal under international trade laws, experts believe these animals are suffering greatly from the conditions in the zoos, the stress of such long transportation and the fact they have been torn away from their mothers and social groups at such a young age.

Dr Ros Clubb, wildlife expert for the RSPCA, said:

The footage we have been shown of this poor calf is agonising to watch.

He looks awful and we fear he will just deteriorate and die if he does not get the urgent veterinary attention he needs. He’s very underweight, his skin is covered in marks and sores and he has a swelling under his belly - which could mean a serious medical condition.

This young male should still be suckling on his mother’s milk and living in the wild in a big, extended family - but instead he is alone in a barren enclosure.

This is an awful situation for any elephant, both physically and psychologically, but particularly for one so young who has also suffered the stress of being flown half-way across the world.

Elephants are large, socially complex, intelligent animals and even modern zoos following the most up-to-date standards are unable to provide for their needs. The conditions I’ve seen in this zoo are simply unacceptable.

The footage was taken in Taiyuan Zoo in northern China and shows the poorly baby elephant in a stark, empty cell-like enclosure. Experts say the concrete floor could cause foot and joint problems; the solitary confinement is likely to lead to abnormal behaviours and the way he is pulling off parts of the wall suggests shoddy standards which could be dangerous.

Experienced elephant vets have said the elephant needs immediate veterinary attention but the zoo has so far refused all offers of help. It is not known how well the other two calves, taken to Xinjiang Safari Park in north-west China, are surviving.

Paul Littlefair, Head of RSPCA International said:

The suffering of this elephant and the one who died is just a fraction of the problem. We understand the Zimbabwean authorities are planning to fly several more baby elephants to zoos in China in the coming months – they could all face a similar fate from this cruel trade.

We urge those who agree with us that these conditions are not acceptable, to sign this petition calling on the Zimbabwean authorities to stop any future exports.

The RSPCA hopes that now the authorities in Zimbabwe are aware of the conditions at Taiyuan Zoo, where one of their elephant calves has died and the surviving calf is in very poor health, that they will not allow any more elephants to be sent to zoos where they are likely to suffer.

We need to do all we can to protect these majestic animals and ensure that Zimbabwe’s precious wildlife can continue to stay in the wild where it belongs.

Take action now

If you agree with us that the export of wild-caught elephants from Zimbabwe should stop please sign the online petition calling for it to end.
 

We can't do it without you

We can only carry out our work with your help.

• To help the RSPCA, please text HELP to 78866 to give £3. Text costs £3 plus one standard network rate message.
   
• Find out more about our international work.