Little more than a year after they were sent to San Diego, the zoo has announced that Tina and Jewel will be transferred to the Los Angeles Zoo in a $42-million new exhibit, which is scheduled to open in December. The zoo has publicly stated that there is no guarantee the elephants will not be moved yet again.
Jewel and Tina, a bonded pair of female endangered Asian elephants believed to be in their 40s were taken to the San Diego Zoo after they were removed from Will Davenports facility and care for alleged mistreatment and substandard veterinary care and his failure to procure the proper permits when he bought the elephants in 2006. Davenport agreed to give up Jewel and Tina and pay a $3,000 fine in exchange for the government dropping complaints against him.
Tina and Jewel, like every elephant confiscated or placed by the USDA as a result of Animal Welfare Act violations, have endured many decades of intense confinement, abusive training, and constant travel and neglect. They all are entitled to a true retirement in a stable environment where they can get the specialized care they need. Currently, only elephant sanctuaries guarantee the lifelong home these animals need to thrive.
Which is your priority? Doing what is in the best interest of the animals or a $42-million new exhibit?
Douglas G. Myers
Executive Director
2920 Zoo Dr
San Diego, CA 92101-1646
http://www.sandiegozoo.org/
