Free Mari & Vaigai is a citizen-led initiative advocating for the compassionate retirement of two elephants from decades of captivity at the Honolulu Zoo to an appropriate sanctuary, through community engagement, collaboration, and responsible action.
Answers to
Frequently asked questions
Free Mari & Vaigai Initiative is a Hawaii-based, citizen-driven initiative formed to secure Mari and Vaigai’s release to an appropriate elephant sanctuary, end elephant captivity at the Honolulu Zoo, and help advance a broader movement to end elephant captivity in zoos.
Goal 1 — Free Mari and Vaigai
Secure their safe and permanent release from the Honolulu Zoo to a qualified elephant sanctuary that can provide appropriate care and lifelong wellbeing.
Goal 2 — End elephant captivity at the Honolulu Zoo
Advocate for Honolulu to permanently close its elephant exhibit.
Goal 3 — Help advance the movement of ending elephant captivity in zoos.
Free Mari & Vaigai Initiative is currently seeking to answer this question.
Goal: Seek a voluntary commitment from Honolulu officials to transfer the elephants to sanctuary.
Yes. Legal advocacy is one of several pathways toward securing Mari and Vaigai’s retirement to an elephant sanctuary.
The Nonhuman Rights Project (NhRP) has brought a case before the Hawaiʻi Supreme Court seeking recognition of their right to liberty. A favorable ruling could allow their legal challenge to proceed and potentially lead to a court-ordered release to sanctuary. An unfavorable ruling would leave their current confinement in place but would not prevent Honolulu from pursuing a voluntary transfer.
Regardless of the court’s decision, independent legal experts can explore additional options under Hawaiʻi and applicable federal law to support their release. The Free Mari & Vaigai Initiative remains committed to pursuing viable pathways toward their retirement to sanctuary.
Could legislation help end elephant captivity in Hawaiʻi?
Yes. Hawaii already restricts the importation of elephants for circuses and certain performances but continues to allow their importation for exhibition in government zoos.
Existing laws and legislative proposals in Hawaiʻi and other states provide models for stronger protections, including restrictions on breeding, captivity, and animal performances.
New legislation could close existing exemptions, establish a legal pathway for retiring elephants to qualified sanctuaries, and create lasting protections for elephants in Hawaiʻi.
An elephant sanctuary is a protected environment dedicated to providing elephants with lifelong care, greater freedom of movement, opportunities for natural behaviors, and the ability to make choices about their daily lives. Unlike traditional zoos, true sanctuaries prioritize the elephants’ wellbeing rather than public exhibition or entertainment.
The Free Mari & Vaigai Initiative seeks to collaborate with experienced elephant sanctuary leaders and qualified facilities to explore a safe, responsible transition for Mari and Vaigai.
This process would include independent veterinary and welfare assessments, identifying a suitable sanctuary, developing specialized transportation plans, securing funding, and ensuring lifelong care.
Public awareness and community involvement can play an important role in creating lasting change.
The Free Mari & Vaigai Initiative seeks to bring together concerned citizens and to work alongside local government, experienced elephant sanctuary leaders, animal welfare organizations, legal experts, and community advocates to educate and inform the public, build awareness and support, and pursue effective legal, governmental, and collaborative pathways to secure their freedom.
Through education, public outreach, partnerships, and constructive dialogue with Honolulu Zoo and city leadership, the initiative aims to build widespread support for their release and the permanent closure of the zoo’s elephant exhibit.
The goal is to inspire a collaborative, community-driven movement that makes sanctuary retirement a shared vision for Honolulu.