Write LTE: Journal Science Concludes Zoos Dramatically Shorten Elephant Lifespan

[Guest guest]

Living in a zoo shortens an elephant's life, according to a new research study published in the journal Science: http://sciencenow.sciencemag.org/cgi/content/full/sciencenow;2008/1211/2The Dallas Morning News published this story on December, 12, 2008 titled "Zoo Animals' Lives Shorter" by Randolph E. Schmid, AP Science Writer

Please write a DMN Letter to the Editor and express your

views on this study as it relates to elephant Jenny, whom Jenny

Supporters everywhere are advocating be retired to The Elephant

Sanctuary. Be sure to mention the title of the DMN article in your LTE to increase your chance

of getting your letter published.

DMN LTE: http://www.dallasnews.com/cgi-bin/lettertoed.cgiNews of the Science study has been published around the world in reputable media outlets such as Time, Newsweek, USA Today, and NPR (see NPR story link):http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=98184820Also, see: http://cityhallblog.dallasnews.com/archives/2008/12/report-on-zoo-elephants-sure-t.html

 

Report on zoo elephants sure to reignite Jenny debate in Dallas

12:43 AM Fri, Dec 12, 2008 | Permalink |

 

 

Buzz

Dave Levinthal E-mail News tips

 

 

 

A group of researchers has concluded, in a report to be published in the journal Science, that living in zoos drastically shortens elephants' lives.

Read news reports on the study here, here and here.

 

The findings, which the Association of Zoos and Aquariums roundly criticized, is likely to reignite debate over the plight of troubled Jenny the elephant, who resides in the Dallas Zoo.

 

Dozens of animal welfare advocates, including comedian Lily Tomlin, have lobbied the Dallas City Council to transfer Jenny to a spacious wildlife refuge in Tennessee.

 

But city officials have decided to keep the aging Jenny put while the zoo expands her living space, saying the Tennessee sanctuary isn't adequate for Jenny's needs.