[In Defense of Animals] (US-CA) Artificial Insemination of Captive Animals Condemned After Baby Elephant’s Death

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Wednesday, October 09, 2002 5:24 PM

[in Defense of Animals] (US-CA) Artificial Insemination of Captive

Animals Condemned After Baby Elephant’s Death

 

 

For Immediate Release Contact: Elliot M.

Katz, DVM 415.388.9641 x 25

 

October 9, 2002

 

www.idausa.org

 

 

 

Artificial Insemination of Captive Animals Condemned After Baby Elephant’s Death

at Marine World

 

 

 

Vallejo, CA— The death of a baby African elephant at Marine World on October 8

raises new concerns for exotic animals held captive in theme parks. In Defense

of Animals (IDA), a nonprofit animal protection organization based in Mill

Valley, CA, urges Marine World to stop breeding captive elephants immediately to

prevent future deaths. In Defense of Animals anticipates widespread coverage of

this tragedy and encourages the media to include the views of animal advocates

in their stories.

 

 

 

The death is the but one of a series of questionable deaths of animals to occur

at Marine World since Premier Parks took over the venue five years ago. The loud

noise and disturbances from the amusement park’s rides and crowds are surely a

contributing factor in the deaths of these animals.

 

 

 

Marine World spokespersons claim that their efforts for artificial insemination

were geared at learning more about reproduction of the elephants. IDA takes

exception to the notion that amusement parks breeding animals in captivity is an

effective method of preventing their extinction in the wild. The major threats

to wild elephants are their disappearing habitat, being hunted for their ivory

tusks, and being captured and taken out of the wild to be sent to circuses and

zoos around the world. Artificially inseminating elephants at amusement parks

will not combat these threats. Not surprisingly, earlier this year, an

application by Marine World to import two female baby elephants was rejected by

the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS), who said the amusement park " didn't

make a compelling case for scientific research. "

 

 

 

“Breeding elephants in captivity only satisfies Marine World’s ability to profit

from increasing public attendance when displaying baby animals and does not

support the best interest of the animals,” stated IDA President Elliot M. Katz,

a veterinarian. “Artificial insemination of elephants in captivity does not

help protect endangered animals because the captive-bred animals born at Marine

World can never be released into the wild,” Dr. Katz continued. “If Marine World

decides to reinseminate this elephant, putting her life at risk, we will pursue

legal action against it.”

 

 

 

A report by the World Society for the Protection of Animals (WSPA) indicated

that only 1,200 zoos out of 10,000 worldwide are registered for captive breeding

and wildlife conservation. Only two percent of the world's threatened or

endangered species are registered in breeding programs.

 

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In Defense of Animals is an international, California-based animal advocacy

organization dedicated to ending the abuse and exploitation of animals by

defending their rights, welfare and habitats.