posted September 01, 2006 01:57 AM         

Unfortunately, there is another elephant, Savannah, who is still at the zoo after Sissy left. In 2002, Savannah was joined by Juno, despite outcry and intervention aimed at preventing the zoo from acquiring another elephant. There has been repeated calls by various organizations to remove these two elephants since Juno's arrival. El Paso Zoo has been rated as among the worst in the countrry in terms of its care for its elephant. These animals have less than one acre in their habitat and both elephants have a long list of ongoing or reoccuring ailments, most of which indicate improper care, inadequate environment and possible ongoing abuse.

The El Paso Zoo has claimed it has taken exceptional care of these animals, and that the beating of Sissy was an "isolated incident." They have viligantly fought allegations of ongoing abuse and improper care as well as demands for the elephants' transfer to a sanctuary. They openly resent being known as "the zoo that beats its elephants." They've put much money and effort into keeping these elelphants here, claiming they are a huge finicial draw to the zoo. They've even had PR tables with flyers, pamphlets and smiling volunteers at malls and events to gather support for the zoo's cause. However, there's little indication they've put equal amount of money or effort into improving these animals' lives and living conditions.

posted September 01, 2006 01:59 AM         

There are places for these animals, where they would recieve the kindness and care they deserve and live in an enivornment that is beneficial rather than detrimental. The Elephant Sanctuary, which would take these animals gladly, is just one. That the El Paso Zoo and the City of El Paso insist on keeping these animals in horrendous conditions where they suffer preventable ailments and are vulnerable to mistreatment for the sake of revenue and public image is utterly despicable. Not only do the animals suffer, but it's an egregious black eye on a community that has enough problems with its economy, civic pride and state- and nation-wide reputation already.

So I'm doing what little I can to help these animals and the city of El Paso. I'm asking for others to speak out. Don't think that if you don't live in El Paso, Texas, or even the US, your voice won't help. El Paso is very sensitive to how it's percieved outside the city, and the more people from outside of the city who speak out, the more likely the city and the zoo will come to see that they can't keep sweeping this under the rug.

There's two ways you can help right now:

Go here to fill out a form that will be sent to our city council members and our mayor.

Or simply sign this petition. This is an petition that aimed to get the council to OK the removal of the elephants last July, but that failed due to pressure by the AZA to keep the elephants here. The petition has been kept up to allow more people to speak out, and now would be a very good time to do just that.

You can also help by supporting the Elephant Sanctuary. Go here to see an older El Paso Times article posted at the ES website on Sissy at the Sanctuary and about Savannah's and Juno's many ailments.

Other things:

An El Paso Times editorial written a month ago, before these most recent allegations.

IDA's article on the City Council's inaction, from a few months ago

A current article from our local Fox station abut the most recent allegations of abuse

posted September 02, 2006 12:30 AM         

have signed the petition.

posted September 02, 2006 07:13 PM         

and for anyone that wants to know, here is the jack *$$es address. write him a personal letter.

ALLAN J SEIDON
3526 breckenridge dr
el paso tx 79936