Source: WSB-TV Atlanta
The Justice Department on March 8 announced it reached a settlement to close the Dr. Juan A. Rivero Zoo in Puerto Rico in Mayaguez and relocate the animals to wildlife sanctuaries in the United States. The press release announcing the settlement stated the move was being made to relocate animals quickly “to facilities that are equipped and prepared to humanely and appropriately house and care for the animals.”
Mundi, an African elephant, is one of these animals. The 41-year old female has been locked up for 35 years in a small enclosure, chained in a stall at night. Elephant Aid International has taken over Mundi’s case and has arranged for her move to Elephant Refuge North America (ERNA) in Attapulgus, Georgia.
Elephants are social creatures who need lots of space to move around. They form strong bonds and are highly emotionally intelligent — research shows they experience loneliness, fear, and sadness. Female elephants in particular live in tight-knit familial and social groups for their entire lives. They are not meant to be alone, nor are they meant to be forced to live in small quarters with elephants they have never met.
This is why it is the best move for Mundi to be sent to a sanctuary with at least 850 acres to roam freely. She can decide if she wants to befriend the other two elephants who reside there. Most importantly, she won’t be chained.
ERNA is not open to the public and its staff does not interact with the elephants. This is meant to allow the elephants to live the most natural lives possible, since they can’t truly be reintegrated into the wild.
We believe the DOJ made the right decision by turning Mundi over to compassionate elephant advocates who want the best for her, rather than sending her to another zoo.
Advocate for Mundi
You can help fund Mundi’s transport and first year of care by giving to her campaign through Elephant Aid International, which funds ERNA. As of March 30, they’ve raised $8,900 of their $145,000 goal.
Elephant Advocate 