Zoo works to keep public
informed about animals

In response to the article, “Animal rights group calling for elephant’s death report” (Oct. 21):

The Chicago Zoological Society, which manages Brookfield Zoo, is always forthcoming with information about animals in our care. As professionals who care for elephants, we also work every day to ensure the highest quality of husbandry through our Center for the Science of Animal Welfare.

We have consistently released details of Affie’s care and her death to Brookfield Zoo’s members and the public. Final necropsy results on Affie indicate heart disease associated with advancing age, with heart failure as the immediate cause of death. These results are consistent with preliminary findings released to the public last June.

Affie’s medical records and necropsy results are not public records. However, they were extensively reviewed by qualified scientists, licensed veterinarians and USDA inspectors, who found CZS to be in full compliance with the Animal Welfare Act. Both CZS and In Defense of Animals called for this review, which should reassure the public.

IDA’s point about Affie’s age is misleading. We are aware that some elephants can live more than 60 years, just as some humans can live to be more than 100, but geriatric conditions begin far earlier for both elephants and people. Published peer-reviewed studies with detailed data sets indicate that elephants in accredited zoos and in the wild have very similar life expectancies.
IDA ignores a more important issue.

Killing of wild elephants for ivory and conflicts with growing human populations have reduced African elephant numbers by more than 60 percent in the past 30 years. CZS had a significant role in pushing through the international ban on trade in ivory in 1990, and we continue to generously support field researchers and conservation activities for elephants in the wild.

Our dedicated professionals work every day to ensure the highest quality of animal care and to educate people about the critical conservation status of elephants and what they can do to help. In doing so, we are making a positive difference for the future of animals both here and in the wild.

We hope all others who care about elephants will join us in these efforts.

Stuart D. Strahl, president/CEO, Chicago Zoological Society