The Growing Movement: 43 Zoos Ending Elephant Captivity
Across North America, and beyond, a growing number of zoos are ending elephant captivity in zoos. Since 1991, 43 North American zoos have…
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Argentina Leads the Way: A Country Without Elephants in Captivity
A movement is underway to end elephant captivity, and Argentina has taken a historic step forward. In July 2025, Argentina became a nation…
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Oakland Zoo: Choosing Sanctuary Over Captivity
After 75 years of exhibiting elephants, Oakland Zoo made a compassionate and decisive choice: to put the wellbeing of its elephants first. In…
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Detroit Zoo: A Pioneering Decision to End Elephant Captivity
In 2005, Detroit Zoo made history by becoming the first major U.S. zoo to end its elephant program solely on ethical grounds. The…
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Why Elephants Don’t Belong in Captivity: What Science Tells Us
The more we learn about elephants, the clearer it becomes: these extraordinary animals are not suited to a life of confinement. Elephants are…
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From Zoo to Sanctuary: A New Life for Captive Elephants
For elephants who have spent decades in captivity, sanctuary offers something extraordinary: the opportunity to live the rest of their lives with greater…
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How Zoos Make the Decision to End Elephant Captivity
Around the world, a movement is growing to end elephant captivity. Behind many of these transformations are people who cared enough to speak…
