In a disingenuous effort to showcase their “commitment” to animals, many zoos are engaged in renovation projects for their more popular species. Unfortunately, vast sums of money are being spent on new exhibits that do little, if anything, to enrich the often-complex needs of animals. In 2003, Chicago’s Lincoln Park Zoo debuted its $23 million “African Journey,” a cramped and poorly designed display featuring elephants and other animals. Within two years, all three elephants who had been relocated to the new exhibit died.
While zoos squander limited resources, legitimate conservation efforts struggle for funding. Scientists with the Amboseli Elephant Research Project are trying to raise just $100,000 to support the annual budget of a project that will make a difference for the preserve’s 1,500 African elephants—as well as for the Kenyan farmers living near Amboseli who lose their crops to elephants every year.
These efforts deserve our support. The springtime zoo baby exhibits don’t.
Debbie Leahy is director of PETA’s Captive Exotic Animals program, 501 Front St., Norfolk, VA 23510; www.PETA.org.
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