More Than 8,000 People Oppose Blackpool Zoo’s Bid To Display More Elephants

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Calum Proctor 0207 837 6327, ext 229; [email protected]

MORE THAN 8,000 PEOPLE OPPOSE BLACKPOOL ZOO’S BID TO DISPLAY MORE ELEPHANTS

Concerned Citizens Join PETA in Calling for End to Elephant Captivity at Zoo

Blackpool, Lancashire – PETA has delivered a letter, with more than 8,000 signatures, to the local council, opposing the Blackpool Zoo’s planning application to expand its elephant enclosure. The letter points out that elephants’ complex needs cannot be met in captivity and asks that instead of expanding its elephant programme, Blackpool Zoo end the programme entirely and retire the sole remaining elephant to a sanctuary.

“Elephants are sensitive and highly intelligent animals who, in nature, roam huge distances every day with their closely knit families”, says PETA Director Mimi Bekhechi. “PETA is calling on Blackpool Council to prevent the zoo from sentencing more of these majestic animals to a life of deprivation behind bars.”

In zoos, social elephants are often forced to live alone or in artificially created groupings. The constant stress of captivity leads many to display stereotypic behaviour, known as “zoochosis”, such as rocking or head-swaying. Two elephants have died at Blackpool Zoo since 2014, and only one elderly female Asian elephant, Kate, remains.

Blackpool Council is expected to meet about the issue tomorrow. The call to end the elephant programme is supported by Councillor Tony Williams, leader of the Blackpool Council Conservative Group.

For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

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