Elephants live longer in wild than zoos

[Jersey Girl]

To read the article posted on CNN's site - please follow link below:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28180729/

I thought this was a really interesting article....many folks believe that the majority of zoos are not properly set-up to support an elephant with space problems, enrichments issues, company for the elephant (some zoo's only have 1).

I myself am really torn....while I'd love to say Yes they live longer in the wild because that's where they belong - release all the elephants.....I can't because of the un-ending poaching (even in "protected" reserves), poisoning by farmers, war torn areas, etc. I really wish there were an easy answer to this heartbreaking problem. Even if I couldn't "see" them when at the zoo - I'd be happy knowing that they were wild and free and SAFE.

What do you think????

[Lisa]

read this in our paper today. also in the article is that zookeepers are angered by the report claiming that the data used to compile it was outdated. Dont know how to respond but I think more actual research would have to be done. maybe the conditions of captivity play a large role ie. a small poorly run zoo vs larger ones or sanctuaries?

[Marie]

Since I did volunteer at a zoo, I saw so many changes with the way elephants are being kept and enriched then they were before. Good zoos are trying to enrich their elephants and keep them active more to have a more happy and naturalistic life as captivity could possibly give them. More naturalistic exhibits and more enriching activities that helps them to mimic more naturalistic behaviors is the best option in zoos for their ellies. A happy and enriched elephant would have a happy and long life. I believe more research should be done in the field of captive elephant enrichment. And this is happening everyday. It is possible that the data used in this study might be pretty old as well but I can't be the judge of that because I have not seen the data used. And believe me when I say that zoos are trying hard to turn a complete 360 from what they were just 100 years ago; from entertainment to a key in conservation.