Thank you so much for printing Nancy Farnam’s Dec. 20 guest commentary on Woodland Park Zoo’s (mis)treatment of its resident elephants, both past and present. It should be noted that Woodland Park Zoo has been voted one of the 10 worst zoos in the world, primarily because of its refusal to mend its methods of elephant care and treatment over the years, despite its protestations to the contrary.
They have refused the most humane option of transferring the remaining traumatized elephants to the Tennessee sanctuary, as the commentary noted, showing their blatant disregard for the elephants’ continuing care, and their wish to continue their “breeding program” above all other humane concerns.
I, and other parents, have not set foot in the zoo since my daughter and I witnessed their tortured swaying and neurotic responses to stress. (My daughter noticed it at age 6, and hasn’t forgotten it since). I have heard similar sentiments from other concerned former zoo-goers over the years, and still nothing is done to change the horrific conditions these magnificent animals have to endure.
We hope your airing of Nancy Farnam’s commentary will help to stimulate a public outcry, and want to applaud The Herald’s effort to bring the story to light.
Glenda T. Berg
Des Moines
