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Thai Elephant Importation

A Jumbo problem, and not yet solved!

The RSPCA welcomes the news that Zoos Victoria is considering relocating elephants from Melbourne Zoo to Werribee Open Range Zoo in the coming years.

The RSPCA recognises the value of zoos in education and the conservation of many animal species.  However, based on a wealth of international scientific evidence, it is clear some animals, including elephants, do not cope well in zoos. Based on this evidence, the RSPCA, along with the International Fund for Animal Welfare and the Humane Society International, opposed the plan to import elephants from Thailand into Australian zoos.  Unfortunately our campaign to stop the importation of these elephants was unsuccessful.

While some animals can thrive in a captive environment, elephants in zoos suffer from a range of health problems, including painful joint disorders, obesity, diabetes, miscarriage, still birth, calf rejection and infant mortality. Many of these health issues result from lack of movement, as zoos cannot possibly provide for the space these large, nomadic animals need.

Zoos in America and Europe are accepting that they cannot meet the complex physical social and behavioural needs of these incredible animals, and are phasing out the keeping of elephants in zoos altogether.

Although re-locating the elephants to Werribee Open Range Zoo does not compare with the natural environment of these animals, it is an improvement on their current conditions. The move to this zoo must be determined by the welfare of these animals and not the economic impact on Melbourne Zoo.

For more information on the keeping of Elephants in Zoos, please read our information sheet.