Watching this stuff f'ing pisses me off. Some of the most amazing animals in the world are treated like shit.

Is there video of the Tennessee sanctuary?

An elephant never forgets -- how much it sucks being in captivity like this, that is.

Heck, just glue on a Mercedes star on the elephant loose in University Park. In two weeks there will be dozens of these gray beasties running stop lights, double parked at Starbucks, and making illegal left hands turns.

All you a-holes that pay money to zoos and such that do this horrific thing to animals like elephants that should never be imprisoned should burn in a small cramped cage in hell for eternity.

Hey, what's that on the bar-b-que?!

I initially felt persuaded by the zoo's explanation of why they were sending Jenny to Mexico, but this information from Angela's trip has made me do a 180. Of course, the zoo's initial explanation didn't mention that they were concerned about being sanctioned by AZA if Jenny is sent to the sanctuary. Does anyone know what the main differences in approach between AZA and sanctuaries are that result in them not being AZA-approved? I think the zoo director mentioned on-site vets are required for AZA accreditation, but there's got to be more than just that.

I don't know much about elephants, but this looks like very disturbing behaviour to me. It's almost as if they've experienced something so horrible in their lives that they have gone crazy or something. ??? This is very sad.

I will be at the demo in Dallas on Sunday and I hope and pray that Jenny will be sent to Tennessee instead of Mexico. I honestly don't understand what the problem is as to why the zoo is so insistent on sending her to Mexico over Tennessee! It makes no sense to me.

Pamela - Angela indicated that the zoo seems concerned about being sanctioned by AZA if they send Jenny to a non-AZA facility like the Elephant Sanctuary.

I found a compilation of elephant video from Africam on youtube under username "angelahuntdallas". It seems legit because it has the video from above, with a few more scenes edited together.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bEsL77pkSs

When you open the page, click on "watch in high quality" under the bottom right side of the video for extra-vivid elephant neuroses.

hoping and praying that Jenny will be in the state of the art elephant sanctuary then out of sight out of mind in Mexico.

Hats off to Angela Hunt for sharing with everyone her investigative findings about both facilities.

I am hoping and praying that Jenny will be in the state of the art elephant sanctuary rather then to the inadequate facility in Mexico.

Hats off to Angela Hunt for sharing with everyone her investigative findings about both facilities.

Anyone who has taken an animal behavior class knows that this swaying - stereotypic behavior as it were - is a very pathologic sign. It indicates severe psychological upset, and I can definitely understand why this elephants are troubled. They are evolutionarily meant to roam miles everyday, and are confined to about 3 measely acres. Shame on the Zoo. Send Jenny to Tennessee!

I'm writing and urging the city council and Mayor to do their jobs and intercede. How can any believe that the Africam park is acceptable to the Elephant Sanctuary in TN?

This is a classic case of a picture being worth a thousand words.

I'm writing and urging the city council and Mayor to do their jobs and intercede. How can any believe that the Africam park is acceptable to the Elephant Sanctuary in TN?

This is a classic case of a picture being worth a thousand words.

visit The Elephant Sanctuary website @ elephants.com. they have live-feed webcams of their elephants. I have never seen swaying behavior any time I viewed the ele-cam.

My understanding is that zoos choose to be AZA credited and they only have to pass a checklist of items. The TN sanctuary has onsight medical staff, as well. It’s a sanctuary for elephants so of course they will have great medical care from vets that really know about elephants. There is just no comparison. We have known Jenny for a long time as a Dallas resident at the zoo and we feel she now deserves the best retreat. She has suffered from depression and shown emotional stress for many years and it's time to let her retire and live in peace in TN at the sanctuary and not at a drive thru park in Mexico. I hope everyone on this blog will come out to the rally at the Dallas Zoo this Sunday, July 27th, from 1:00-2:00 PM. Its only an hour and every body that is there helps send the message to Steve Salazar and all of Dallas that they need to do the right thing.

Did you see this letter in the Observer – it is true that in Mexico animals have no animal welfare law protection.
On "Pack a Trunk," by Spencer Campbell from July 3
"Elephant Hell"
The story of Jenny the elephant is making me lose a lot of sleep. I am not an animal activist, nor am I a member of an organization, nor am I a vegetarian. However, eight years ago I experienced a week in Mexico that I just can't forget. I was working in a medical clinic in a small town in Mexico. I was there to train a group of surgeons on LASIK techniques. It was a terribly hot week. Across from the clinic in an open field was a traveling circus. Every day I watched as I passed and noted that two elephants were staked to the ground and were not in a cage.
I watched in horror as the circus employee pulled each chained leg out and hammered the large metal stake in the ground. The reason was to keep the animal off balance and unable to steady himself enough to move. It would be a difficult pose for me to hold, much less for the period of time I witnessed. The sad creatures were kept in the horrible position in the extreme hot sun, with no shade and no water. They were tortured this way every day for the duration of the entire day until showtime. I imagine they were made to sleep in the terrible position. I asked the owner of the clinic if authorities could be called. His simple reply was that "animals do not have rights in Mexico."
So why would the Dallas Zoo send an animal to Mexico? Thank you, Dallas Zoo, for making my Mexico elephant nightmares return. B. Perry, Dallas

Molly - I think that technically the Elephant Sanctuary is not considered to have onsite medical staff by AZA because there is not a vet on-site at all times. It looks like they have vets on-call 24/7, but they don't actually have a vet on-site 24/7. That said, does the zoo have a vet on-site at all times? I guess so if that is what AZA requires.

Even so, I still think the benefits of the Elephant Sanctuary would outweigh any risks posed by delays in getting access to vet care.

Someone below asked if there was footage of the TN sanctuary -- Here is a link to their website -- http://www.elephants.com/. Also,
I mentioned the rally on Sunday for Jenny – here are more details...
Many people must attend the rally if we are to convince the Zoo to do the right thing for Jenny. Major television stations and print media will be present, so we must have a strong presence. No matter where you live, Jenny needs you to come!

What: “Save Jenny” Peaceful, Family-Friendly Rally, which will go on Rain or Shine!
When: Sunday, July 27, 1 P.M. to 2 P.M.
Where: Lawn by Freeway Entrance of Dallas Zoo by Giraffe Statue, 650 South R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas, Texas 75203
Parking: Available in freeway side parking lot of the Dallas Zoo
Contact: Margaret at dogs_good@yahoo.com or 972 578 0370
Banner, Posters & “Save Jenny” Stickers provided by CCFJ. All you have to do is come and bring a friend or a group of friends!

African animals and especially elephants should never be held captive in a zoo.Jenny should go to the Tennessee Sanctuary not another zoo. At least this large santuary would be more similar to her native habitat.

Since Steve Blow needs to know more about this, I hope he will be there.

Oh, I forgot, he doesn't live here.

When will man's inhumanity to man and animal end? Humans never seem to learn to be human..e. Please pray someone has a conscience.

AZA zoos are not required to have a vet on-site, and they are not required to have a full-time vet. It's only recommended. In fact, the AZA standards recognize that it may not always be "practical" to have a full-time vet. In that case, AZA recommends having a consulting/part-time vet on contract who must visit at least twice a month and be available for emergencies. Further, the standards state that veterinary coverage "must be available to the animal collection 24 hours a day, 7 days a week."

At The Elephant Sanctuary, there is a 24-hour, on-call vet. In addition, the elephants are monitored by their keepers 24/7 (not the case in zoos).

Technically, The Elephant Sanctuary is in line with AZA standards and even goes beyond them with the constant keeper monitoring.

It is so sad that it takes this amount of effort to do what is in Jenny's best interest. If politicians would stop thinking of their own interests, and start listening to their constituents, the world might be a better place.

Please send Jenny to Sanctuary -- If Hudson and his AZA cronies would have allowed this to begin with our Mayor and City Council would be able to get other business done.

So sad--I agree with LP about that.

I'm writing Greg Hudson, Mayor Leppert and the City Council to ask them to overturn this decision.

If you get a chance, please TIVO this documentary on elephants from The Science Channel. It is by far the most imformative one hour you will ever see about elephants.
_____

Thursday, July, 24, 2008 at 06:00 AM ET on Science Channel

The Ultimate Guide: Elephants


Wildlife photography and computer graphics help to reveal the nature, design, and origins of elephants. These mighty creatures have their mysteries, such as how they can communicate without making a sound.
______

http://science.discovery.com/tv-schedules/special.html?paid=48.13967.18351.0.0

It is something to share with your kids.

It's interesting that the Dallas Zoo didn't share photos or video of the Africam Safari park, and that it was only through Ms. Hunt's trip that we see what the place is really like and how it compares with TES.

Surely the City Council and Mayor will see their way to clear to overturn Hudson's unfortunate choice.

I have to say that initially, I was unconvinced and not sure what the big deal was about at first, but now it's clear to me that all of the ruckus about Jenny has been for a good reason after all !!!

If you feel the same please ask the City Council, Mayor Leppert and Mr. Hudson to do what is clearly best for Jenny.

Sincerely,
Sharon Greene

Thanks Jack, I have it tivo'ed

Could there possibly be an issue with funding for Jenny to get her new digs?

Does the Dallas Zoo have to pay anything for Jenny's care at either of these facilities?

I keep thinking that budget concerns may be driving this decision, not the elephant's ultimate welfare.

What are the costs if any and what are the differences?

It's difficult to believe the AZA issue cannot be resolved, maybe not overnight but in a reasonable time frame.

It would be easy to raise the funds to get Jenny to Tennessee and it should be possible to work with AZA too.

Thanks to Ms. Hunt on behalf of all elephants everywhere.

I would be pleased to donate money for Jenny's trip to Tennessee.

My understanding is that The Elephant Sanctuary in TN has offered to take Jenny at no cost to the City of Dallas, its zoo or citizens.

If this is not true, I will donate $$$ for Jenny's trip to TN and I know of many other people who are like minded.

Would be great if someone in the know could confirm or deny this. If a fundraising effort needs to happen next to get Jenny to Tennessee then let's start that!
Sincerely,
Sharon

Not 100% sure here, but I don't think the issue is funding. I think the zoo is just afraid of incurring the wrath of the AZA if they send Jenny to Tennessee. What form that wrath would take I'm not sure, but here are a couple of guesses:

There is a lot of cooperation among zoos throughout the country and the world. A lot of times a zoo may loan an animal to another zoo, maybe provide advice on new installations, share techniques & whatnot. If the zoo was blackballed by AZA, that could possibly affect that cooperation with other AZA zoos. Maybe it could make it really difficult to get new animals, like the new elephants that the zoo wants to get when its new elephant habitat is complete. What happens if every time you go the zoo your kid asks: "How come they don't have an elephant? (or gorilla, or red-tailed skink or whatever)" What happens is next time you go to another zoo where they do have those things, which means less revenue for the Dallas Zoo (and it's losing money already). If you're the zoo director you don't want a zoo where the only animals are the Oak Cliff Dingo and the Junius Heights Tabby Cat. Another possibility is maybe they could get fined by AZA if they send Jenny to Tennessee. I think those are the kind of things that they are worried about.

I'm not saying it's right - I'm just saying that there are reasons why they might be unwilling to do this from a business standpoint. In the original post about Angela's trip there was mention of examples of other zoos that went ahead and sent animals to sanctuaries without consequences from AZA; I hope there's some way that this can happen here too.

Just a couple more thoughts: This may seem minor, but Jenny doesn't 'speak' Spanish! All elephants in zoos are required to understand and respond to numerous verbal commands, Jenny is no exception; in the Dallas Zoo's Elephant Management Manual, Jenny is required to respond to at least 37 verbal commands, such as, lean in, trunk down, head down, dance, come in line, get around, salute, stretch, tongue, leave it, pick it up, and many more. Translate, if you will, those into Spanish and you will realize that this is just an additional source of extreme stress and confusion she will experience in AfriCam Safari Park! Just saying! Also, elephants that don't respond or don't respond rapidly are frequently severly beaten, I don't believe the Dallas Zoo does, but if an elephant doesn't obey the commands, they go through the training again and again and again until the elephant 'gets it'. Now, in Mexico, regardless of what the place says, Jenny may very well be severely beaten because she won't understand. Someone named Ms. Camacho (I think) said that they swaying doesn't mean anything bad, that the elephants are fine. This is egregious ignorance of elephant behavior. Once Jenny's there we will never know for sure whether or not she's being beaten, or 'stretched' (that is what the woman who was in Mexico and who described what she saw being done to the two elephant victims). If Jenny becomes uncooperative and agressive, as I believe she surely will, they can do anything they want to her - she has no protections (regardless of what AfriCam says now) and we may never know what "caused her death" because, I believe, she will most certainly die down there and, no, I am not overstating the case or being an alarmist. It has happened to elephants who have been transferred to different zoos here in the U.S. As for how much Greg Hudson et al care about the Dallas Zoo elephants, here is what happened to KeKe after she died: "Keke's skeletal remains were sent to the Museum of Osteology in Oklahome City for FUTURE DISPLAY. Some samples and remains were sent away for research, and THE REST OF HER BODY WAS SENT TO A LANDFILL FOR BURIAL." (Capitalization is mine) Go on the website for The Elephant Sanctuary and read about how they handle a death and/or a dying elephant. Then, YOU TELL ME WHO CARES ABOUT ELEPHANTS AND WHO DOESN'T.

I'm glad that people are passionate about something, including an elephant. Yes, the elephant is a sentient being and deserves honor and respect. People are also sentient beings deserving the same treatment. Where are all of you when it comes to feeding and housing our fellow homo sapiens? Nowhere. Imagine what our shared humanity would be like if we took the passion for Jennie, offers of financial support, and took action that would benefit all of us. But then, this wouldn't be Dallas would it?

I think it's important for those of us who feel strongly about this - given the new findings from Ms. Hunt's trip to contact the Mayor and our city council reps to do everything we can to persuade them. Too bad that the zoo officials aren't really in the interest of doing what is best for animals -- it's all lip service and zoo politics going on here!

thanks, let's do everything we can for Jenny!

You don't know me and I very much resent your assumption that the plight of captive elephants and, in fact, all animals, is the only thing I feel passionate about. Of course, all of us who feel empathy and compassion for animals also feel the same empathy and compassion for human beings who are suffering. I have many 'causes' that I actively work toward improving. What have YOU DONE TODAY TO MAKE ANYTHING FOR ANYONE OF ANY SPECIES BETTER?????

JC - According to the newspaper article on Monday, Carol Buckley who is the main person at the Sanctuary said the belong to the ASA (Animal Sanctuary Association). I don't know if she said directly or just alluded the ASA considers AZA requirements to be "substandard" and that the ASA actually has higher animal welfare standards.Thus there is no need to belong to the AZA. Further, the AZA is essentially an animal trade association. Since sanctuary's don't trade their animals there is no need to belong to such an organization.
I am not 100% sure but I have read that the reason the Dallas Zoo is giving about wanting to comply with AZA "recommendations" for trading only within the association is suspect. Evidently there have been other AZA zoos that have given elephants or other animals to sanctuaries without any repercussions. I am suspicious that there are other issues with the Dallas Zoo which is causing the AZA to look closely at the Dallas Zoo. Perhaps the gorilla incident several years ago may have the Dallas Zoo on so called "probationary status". However, much of this is my own speculation.

All said, I just don't understnad these officials that want to carry on in public trying to blow smoke about how a Mexican drive thru park is satisfactory accomodation. When any one with 2 brain cells can tell that the Sanctuary is far superior. I wish they would just be honest and upfront and say they acknowledge this fact but they are still sending her to Mexico. They would still be jerks but at least they'd honest jerks. I'm just so upset about this.

I have spent the last 2 weeks in this heat passing out flyers for Jenny. I have yet to run across 1 person who doesn't think she should go to Tennessee. I've talked to home owners, neighbors, and many more.

What a farse

BFJ - I suspect that you are correct about the incident with the gorilla causing the Dallas Zoo to be on a very short leash with AZA.

Bravo Eden.

There are numerous causes to which I also give my time and lately most are for the benefit of senior centers in the area. Not that I have to justify myself either -- to care about humane animal treatment is also to care about human suffering -- they are interchangeable in my view.

I will be there on Sunday to support Jenny's cause and hope to meet many like minded individuals. After the rally, I will be off to visit with the seniors who also so desperately need my help.

Thanks to everyone who is genuinely concerned and sharing information and views on this forum.

Show your support for Jenny this weekend. Join a rally at the zoo on Sunday at 1:00 to help convince the zoo to send her to The Elephant Sanctuary instead of the safari park in Mexico. You can get more information online at www.concernedcitizensforjenny.net or www.helpelephants.com/dallas_zoo.html Thank you for your support.

AZA accredidation might be an important consideration, except for one glaring problem: The Dallas Zoo has AZA accredidation, and according to Jenny's medical records and physical appearance, she is not by any means a healthy, happy animal. She has been suffering under AZA accredited treatment for a long time. Why send her to Mexico for more of the same? Yes, she would have a little more space than she has at the Dallas Zoo, but it is not an ideal setting, and she would still have no companionship of other African elephants. The Mexican facility claims that they are getting another African elephant, but what if they don't? The Tennessee sanctuary already has several -- this is a more definite promise of companionship for Jenny. The Tennessee sanctuary offers the kind of room an elephant really needs to live in a natural state. Plus, there would be companionship, and no cars or noise. Jenny could live out her days in peace. She has earned that. Please let her go to Tennessee.

If you read Animal Underworld by Alan Green, you will see that many zoos "trade" their animals to roadside zoos and attractions, regardless of AZA affiliations. Dallas Zoo itself is guilty of this, so they are just using AZA as an excuse to do whatever they want.
City Council is showing little regard for this animal, nor for the wishes of the citizens of Dallas. I wonder how they will feel when poor Jenny reacts badly to her situation if sent to Mexico, and someone is injured or killed there. They will probably blame it on her, or AZA, or on us for not clearly telling them what to do.

The Dallas Zoo intends to ship Elephant Jenny to a "drive-thru" tourist attraction in Mexico when she could retire to The Elephant Sanctuary (TES) instead. At TES, Jenny would live in peace on hundreds of lush, natural acres, socialize with other African elephants, and be protected by U.S. anti-cruelty laws.

From her medical record, we know Jenny is terrified of motorized vehicles. When exposed to a car in the past, she stopped eating and became severely depressed for weeks. As such, it is blatantly cruel to send Jenny to a “drive-thru” facility where cars/trucks will be driving close to her constantly. When Jenny was torn from her mother's side at the age of two, we believe her wild African mother was probably shot before Jenny's eyes. A car or truck may have been involved in this life-altering trauma.

Please attend the Rally and stand in peaceful solidarity to oppose Jenny’s transfer to Mexico.

What: “Save Jenny” Peaceful, Family-Friendly Rally, which will go on Rain or Shine!
When: Sunday, July 27, 1 P.M. to 2 P.M.
Where: Lawn by Freeway Entrance of Dallas Zoo by the Giraffe Statue, 650 South R.L. Thornton Fwy, Dallas , Texas 75203
Parking: Available in freeway side parking lot of the Dallas Zoo

Transportation: Take DART public transportation to the front door of the Dallas Zoo (walk only a short distance to the Freeway Entrance). For Sunday’s DART schedule, go to: www.dart.org

For Information on The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee, go to: www.elephants.com/

Thank you.
Margaret Morin
Founder, Concerned Citizens for Jenny
For Details of Jenny's Plight, go to: www.concernedcitizensforjenny.net

Hey everyone!

I guest you can't talk about something you are not an expert on, all this thing about moving the elephant to this mexican zoo concerns to the experts, let them do what they think if best for Jenny.

I've been in Africam Safari a couple of years ago and is one of the best zoos I've ever seen. They do really care about animals wellfare. if you haven't visit this park, I guess you can't talk about it or critize it!!!!!!!

Greatings

Frank C

PD IF you still having doubts about this great zoo, go visit their website: www.africamsafari.com.mx

I have just read a letter to the Dallas Morning News saying that this woman is so glad Jenny will reamin in the Dallas Zoo. Has she not been keeping up with the situation Jenny is forced to face? The Dallas Zoo is no place for any elephant. The space is tiny for this elephant and will be even when they supposedly enlarge it. She has been abused in a circus and then put in a jail cell at the Dallas Zoo for 22 years. What was her crime to have suffered being wrenched away from her mother as a baby and then tortured the way she has for so long? It is time for humans who control her destiny to offer her a small gift of apology by sending her to the sanctuary in Tennessee. How can the Mayor Leppert and the City Council of Dallas continue the cruelty that has been imposed upon her for so long? Wake up Mayor Leppert and City Council!