Dear Brookfield Zoo Supporter:
As you probably know, Brookfield Zoo recently lost our beloved friend: Affie, the 40-year-old African elephant. Chicago Zoological Society (CZS) officials have worked for years to keep Affie comfortable as she aged, including creating a sand pile she could lean on indoors and adding a specialized floor several months ago. Geriatric care is an increasing emphasis of CZS because animals, on average, are living longer in the care of zoos.
Affie was the sixth oldest female African elephant in North American zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA). According to a 2004 scientific study conducted by Robert J. Wiese, Ph.D., and Kevin Willis, the average life expectancy for female African elephants in North American zoos is 33 years. The report further states that this life expectancy value is similar to the life expectancy of wild elephants.
Christy, our 29-year-old African elephant, survives her constant and close companion Affie. Zoo staff are committed to caring for Christy during this difficult time. Staff are concentrating on Christy’s well-being by spending extra time with her and continuing her training routines. Our keeper and veterinary staff are monitoring her closely. Currently, we are in communication with the AZA’s African Elephant Species Survival Plan coordinator to find companionship for Christy as soon as possible.
As you know, animals are our passion at Brookfield Zoo, so it is with deep appreciation that we thank the public for its outpouring of sympathy and support as we mourn the death of Affie. She was one of our most beloved animals and touched the lives of more than 30 million visitors here at the zoo.
Thank you for your continued support, and we need you now. Unfortunately, but not unexpectedly, we have also begun to hear from animal extremist groups that seize every opportunity to use false and distorted information in their attempt to denigrate any zoo that has suffered the death of a charismatic animal. In cities around the country, these groups organize public campaigns against zoos and demand that we eliminate our elephant programs. At the same time, they do not spend any money on caring for animals or supporting conservation programs to protect animals in the wild, where in the case of elephants, more than 100 die every day due to poaching and human conflict.
In Defense of Animals (IDA) issued a press release Tuesday, May 19, asking the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to investigate Affie’s death. As standard procedure, we had already contacted the USDA immediately following Affie’s death on Friday, May 15. IDA is asking Brookfield Zoo to close our elephant exhibit and to send Christy to a sanctuary that is not AZA-accredited and where there is no full-time veterinary care. We would never allow any of our elephants, including Christy, to be sent to an unaccredited facility, especially one without medical care.
Nobody cares as deeply for elephants as our zookeepers, veterinarians, animal curators, and other staff working in accredited zoos. Our keepers are mourning Affie’s death, but are also looking toward the future of Brookfield Zoo’s elephant program. Our commitment to elephants is strong, and our plans are to not only continue, but to expand our elephant program
Why are we willing to endure these relentless attacks by these special interest groups focused on getting all elephants out of zoos? Because the Chicago Zoological Society also is committed to the long-term future of endangered species, and we know a key to success is helping to inspire the public to learn about and care for wildlife.
The strongest emotional connection with elephants comes from up-close experiences, and this is what zoos provide. When people learn about elephants, they discover that their actions do matter. For instance, zoos helped educate the public to not buy ivory, which has had a positive influence on wild elephant conservation, and Brookfield Zoo was at the forefront of that battle for two decades.
Finally, we know that people learn about conservation by seeing elephants in zoos. A national Harris Interactive poll shows that 95% of the public says seeing elephants and rhinos in real life helps people appreciate them more and encourages people to learn more about them. So despite the attacks from extremist anti-zoo groups, we are moving forward with a commitment to exceptional animal care and to supporting conservation programs that help ensure the future of elephants in zoos and in the wild.
We would encourage you as supporters of Brookfield Zoo and our elephants to spread the truth about our elephant program and our commitment to animals.
If you have questions or comments, please contact us at
animals@czs.org.
Sincerely,
Stuart Strahl, Ph.D.
President/CEO
Chicago Zoological Society