After a long fight, and constant campaigning, the In Defense of Animals team have just announced that a major break through has been made in regards to the welfare of Elephants in Zoos, preventing 'circus-style' training that in most cases is inhumane for the animals involved, as well as highly dangerous for the keepers.
A statement put out by the IDA today states:
"We are happy to tell you that the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) has announced a profound change in policy that would bring an end to cruel training practices in zoos. The AZA announced that by September 1, 2014, keepers in AZA zoos will no longer be able to share the same unrestricted space with elephants, with some exceptions. The new policy allows for exceptions, including medical procedures and testing (which is already being done by zoos using “protected contact” training that uses only positive reinforcement and no bullhooks). Zoos also will be required to document all instances of aggression by elephants and to report annually on all injuries or fatalities related to elephants (no such record-keeping now exists). "
The AZA have yet to put out an official statement in regards to the changes that are to be made, but from what has been leaked the changes will certainly be a step in the right direction to increasing the welfare and conditions that Elephants are currently enduring in many facilities around the world. I am sure more news on this will follow.
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