Brookfield Zoo comes out swinging against animal-rights group

Brookfield Zoo went on the offensive today against an animal-rights group out to shut down its elephant program after the death of one of its prized pachyderms, and promised to expand its elephant program. Here's the pugnacious letter e-mailed to zoo members over the signature of Stuart Strahl, president and CEO of the Chicago Zoological Society:

"Thank you for your continued support, and we need you now. Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, we have also begun to hear from animal extremist groups that seize every opportunity to use false and distorted information in their attempt to denigrate any zoo that has suffered the death of a charismatic animal. In cities around the country, these groups organize public campaigns against zoos and demand that we eliminate our elephant programs. At the same time, they do not spend any money on caring for animals or supporting conservation programs to protect animals in the wild, where in the case of elephants, more than 100 die every day due to poaching and human conflict.

"In Defense of Animals (IDA) issued a press release Tuesday, May 19, asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate Affie's death. As standard procedure, we had already contacted the USDA immediately following Affie's death on Friday, May 15. IDA is asking Brookfield Zoo to close our elephant exhibit and to send Christy to a sanctuary that is not AZA-accredited and where there is no full-time veterinary care. We would never allow any of our elephants, including Christy, to be sent to an unaccredited facility, especially one without medical care.

"Nobody cares as deeply for elephants as our zookeepers, veterinarians, animal curators, and other staff working in accredited zoos. Our keepers are mourning Affie's death, but are also looking toward the future of Brookfield Zoo's elephant program. Our commitment to elephants is strong, and our plans are to not only continue, but to expand our elephant program

"Why are we willing to endure these relentless attacks by these special interest groups focused on getting all elephants out of zoos? Because the Chicago Zoological Society also is committed to the long-term future of endangered species, and we know a key to success is helping to inspire the public to learn about and care for wildlife.

"The strongest emotional connection with elephants comes from up-close experiences, and this is what zoos provide. When people learn about elephants, they discover that their actions do matter. For instance, zoos helped educate the public to not buy ivory, which has had a positive influence on wild elephant conservation, and Brookfield Zoo was at the forefront of that battle for two decades.

"Finally, we know that people learn about conservation by seeing elephants in zoos. A national Harris Interactive poll shows that 95% of the public says seeing elephants and rhinos in real life helps people appreciate them more and encourages people to learn more about them. So despite the attacks from extremist anti-zoo groups, we are moving forward with a commitment to exceptional animal care and to supporting conservation programs that help ensure the future of elephants in zoos and in the wild.

"We would encourage you as supporters of Brookfield Zoo and our elephants to spread the truth about our elephant program and our commitment to animals."

For its part, the IDA "filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Agriculture, asking that it investigate the death of Affie, a 39-year-old African elephant who died at Brookfield Zoo last Friday," the group's statement said.

"'There is a high probability that this middle-aged elephant suffered from foot disease and/or arthritis, excruciating and often-fatal ailments caused by inadequate zoo conditions including lack of space for movement and hard, unyielding surfaces that damage elephants' feet and joints,' wrote IDA president Elliot Katz, DVM. 'If in fact Affie did succumb to a disease caused by zoo conditions, the Brookfield Zoo should be found in violation of the Animal Welfare Act.'"

Do you think Brookfield should keep its captive elephant program?

UPDATE: Strahl has posted this response to all those who have commented on this post:

From these comments, I’m pleased to see how many people have a strong interest in elephants. We at Brookfield Zoo love animals, especially elephants, and we dedicate our lives to their wellbeing and care here at the Zoo and in the wild. A few points that may add more fact to this discussion are:

1. Affie did not pass of foot disease or arthritis. We are awaiting final necropsy results due in 6-8 weeks.

2. The zoo proactively contacted USDA the same day Affie died. We have an excellent USDA inspection record and work cooperatively with USDA whenever an animal dies. What we learn from animal deaths goes into a scientific pool of knowledge that helps in the care of all animals, including those in the wild.

3. Our professional team provides outstanding animal care, which is not just about space but is based on the quality of veterinary and nutrition science, behavioral husbandry, keeper expertise, and constant companionship.

4. Our recently-expanded elephant facilities and veterinary care exceed AZA standards for elephant husbandry. Those of sanctuaries would never pass these same standards.

5. Unlike sanctuaries, we provide constant veterinary and keeper care to our elephants (and other animals), including preventative and ongoing treatment. Humane and loving care is our hallmark.

6. The Chicago Zoological Society is indeed a not-for-profit, and, unlike most of our detractors, we invest millions of dollars in environmental education and wildlife and nature conservation worldwide including for elephants (and many other species under our care). A visit to the zoo helps support elephants in Africa and Asia whose numbers are in serious decline.

7. We respect everyone who cares for elephants and animal welfare as much as we do. However, the goal of animal rights extremists is to shut down zoos: We know that, and everyone else should, too.