Group says San Antonio zoo mistreats lone elephant

Associated Press – November 9, 2009

SAN ANTONIO (AP) – An animal rights organization has complained to the U.S. Department of Agriculture about the San Antonio Zoo — and an elephant.

The matter concerns the zoo’s treatment of its only elephant, named “Lucky.”

Catherine Doyle with the group In Defense of Animals says the zoo should send Lucky to a sanctuary.

Critics says Lucky is suffering from a lack of companionship, her enclosure is too small and its surface is too flat and hard, resulting in arthritis in her feet and legs.

The 49-year-old Asian elephant has lived at the zoo for 47 years. Her previous companion, a female African elephant named Alport, died two years ago.

The Association of Zoos and Aquariums has renewed a variance that grants the zoo until March to find Lucky a companion.

Zoo executive director Steve McCusker says they’re very close to getting that accomplished.

Information from San Antonio Express-News: http://www.mysa.com

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Similar Posts:

• Ill. zoo seeks elephant despite opposition
• 2 elephant deaths at Montgomery Zoo draw concern
• ‘Gypsy The Elephant’ Arrives At The Dallas Zoo
• Last weekend for beluga at Tacoma aquarium
• Spanish Queen tries to help bereaved elephant