PETA Calls for Scotland’s Only Elephant to be Moved to a Sanctuary

For Immediate Release:

January 24 2017

Contact:

Jennifer White +44 (0) 20 7837 6327, ext 222; [email protected]

PETA CALLS FOR SCOTLAND’S ONLY ELEPHANT TO BE MOVED TO A SANCTUARY

Group Asks Blair Drummond Safari Park to Stop Looking for Another Elephant and Start Looking for a New Home for Mondula

Stirling, Scotland – As Blair Drummond Safari Park reportedly searches for an elephant to replace Toto, who died last year, PETA sent the facility a letter this morning urging officials to stop the search and instead send the remaining elephant, Mondula, to a sanctuary.

In the letter, PETA – whose motto reads, in part, that “animals are not ours to use for entertainment” – notes that elephants in nature travel up to 30 miles a day in their close-knit family herds, which is essential for their physical and psychological well-being. Zoos and safari parks simply don’t have the space to meet elephants’ needs, and as a result, the animals suffer from arthritis, foot and joint diseases, depression, and other ailments. In addition, Mondula and Toto reportedly had a frigid relationship, which could also occur if another other elephant were introduced to the safari park.

“At a reputable sanctuary, Mondula would be able to enjoy ample space in a more natural environment among dozens of potential companions”, says PETA Senior Campaign Coordinator Kirsty Henderson. “PETA stands ready to help Blair Drummond Safari Park find her a new home at a sanctuary with other elephants, where she’d be able to choose the company she keeps.”

In addition to physical ailments caused by captivity, elephants who are confined to small spaces are known to display stereotypic behaviour known as “zoochosis”, such as rocking or head-swaying, which indicates intense psychological distress.

PETA’s letter is available here. For more information, please visit PETA.org.uk.

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