My Nonprofit Reviews

My daughter and I have been working for two years to try to free the three Woodland Park Zoo elephants in Seattle from an enclosure that is far too small, hard, and barren to meet their needs for space, varied terrain, companionship, excercise, and things to do. The elephants were all captured from the wild at age 1-2, and have been confined at the Zoo between 30 and 40 years each. As a result of this unnatural confinement, they all suffer from severe foot and/or joint problems, which are the leading cause of premature death in zoo elephants. They also suffer from stereotypic behaviors, such as swaying, head bobbing, and pacing, which put extreme unnatural pressure on their feet and joints, and exacerbate their health issues. The only calf born at the Zoo died three years ago of an elephant herpes virus that kills very painfully, and that the African elephant at the Zoo carries. The virus is fatal to 90% of Asian elephant calves who contract it, and yet the Zoo is trying to breed one of the Asian elephants again to get another baby for the Zoo. Elephant babies mean big money for zoos, but this baby elephant will be exposed to the same herpes virus that killed the other baby, which is a horrible problem for both the baby and the mother. Last year, I began talking with ALDF about helping us get the elephants their freedom so they can retire to a sanctuary where they can have the companionship of elephants of their own species, and a habitat that is more natural, varied, and supportive of their health and well-being. ALDF listened to my concerns, and in June 2010, filed a lawsuit on my behalf against the City of Seattle to force the City to provide the elephants with the environment they need or release them to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee. I cannot thank ALDF enough for all they've done so far to help these elephants gain their freedom to live as freely as possible. Mary Sebek, Seattle, WA

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