Joplin Tragedy, Elephant Exploited by Circus Promoter

On May 22, a tornado tore through Joplin, Missouri, damaging or destroying much of the town. Many people were killed or injured. Our hearts go out to all who have been affected by this tragedy. Anyone who has not been through such a disaster cannot fully imagine how it feels to have your world turned upside down in moments. All help is welcomed.

Enter Zack Garden, promoter of the Piccadilly Circus, and an elephant named Okha. They had been scheduled to perform in the local arena that was instead needed as a makeshift hospital. An offer was made by the circus to use their elephants to help clear debris. City officials declined the offer.

Instead of their arena show, performers and crew of the circus entertained small groups and handed out treats. That's a great idea. But handlers also put a harness on Okha and took her into the wreckage. The media was all around, and they just can't resist an unusual story that looks heartwarming.



Any sensible person will wear sturdy shoes and heavy work gloves while working in a debris field. You need to protect your skin from the twisted metal, shattered glass, shredded wood and broken concrete. But an elephant doesn't have gloves or shoes. Although they are known for having thick skin, it is actually as sensitive as ours. Walking on hard man-made surfaces and through the wreckage puts them at risk for cuts and scrapes. Sharp items can become embedded between their toes or in the soft pads of their feet. This causes pain, infection and lasting damage if it is not treated promptly and properly.

Watching video of this event, I see that members of the public are close to the elephant. Generally the public is kept a safe distance from elephants when they are being moved in or out of an arena. This is for protection, in case the elephant breaks away from the handler. Here the elephant is in an unfamiliar environment, being asked to pull the painfully heavy weight of a vehicle. If she would break away, people would likely trip and fall into the debris while trying to get out of her way. She is also bobbing her head, a sign of distress.



According to the promoter, the elephant worked for only two hours before they stopping. That was long enough to generate publicity for the circus. A quick search brought up 35 articles, both national and local coverage. Lots of photos and video of an elephant dragging a few things out of the rubble. It hardly matters whether or not you support keeping elephants in captivity or using them for hard work. What was really accomplished in those two hours, helping a town to clear debris or promoting the circus?

Note: Here are some ways to help the people of Joplin, MO.

Happy Elephant Day!

Today, March 13, is Thai Elephant Day. The elephant is the national animal of Thailand, and in 1998 the holiday was approved to raise awareness of the importance of elephants.

The Asian elephant is an endangered species. A century ago there were more than 100,000 elephants in Thailand. Now there are maybe 3,000 to 4,000, half of which are domesticated.

Ownership of elephants is a long standing tradition in Thailand. Families have owned elephants and passed them down from father to son for generations. It is a point of pride to own an elephant, but it takes long hours of hard work by both man and animal to support them. It is a hard life for both mahout and elephant.

Habitat for wild elephants has been fractured and eliminated through development. Add in climate change and the demand for ivory, and you see why the population of elephants is diminishing. There is a real chance that we may be seeing the last generations of elephants.

Elephant Day is a time to celebrate the past and look to the future of this magnificent animal. Some lucky elephants will be treated to buffets of fruits and vegetables. Some may be working as taxis, taking tourists on treks in the forest or performing tricks to entertain tourists. A lucky few will spend the day in retirement at sanctuaries.

The future of the Asian elephant is uncertain. It depends on whether we value them and our world enough to protect them. It depends on what we think is the proper role for them to play in our world. It depends on whether families who own elephants can move away from private ownership, whether they can have other opportunities for education and their future.

We can help the elephants by not supporting programs that misuse elephants. Please don't buy ivory or things made from other elephant parts. Please don't ride elephants or pay to feed an elephant or take a picture with one on the street. These only continue the cycle of pain.

We can help elephants even more by supporting organizations that are making an effort to improve the lives of captive elephants. I've listed a few below.

And keep good thoughts for all elephants every day, not just once a year.

Elephant Nature Park

Twitter: @ElephantNatureP

Sanctuary for rescued elephants who were previously abused & neglected

The Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation

Twitter: @elehelp
Providing a save haven for elephants and employment for their mahouts

Boon Lott's Elephant Sanctuary

Twitter: @BLESELE

Devoted to creating a safe & natural environment for Asian elephants

Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital (Mirror Site in English)

Twitter: founder @SoraidaSalwala

The world's first elephant hospital, founded by Soraida Salwala

Who is Soraida Salwala? Part 4

If you're new to this story, please begin with Part 1

by Sean Whyte

There were three adults and one baby elephant in the hospital that day. Looking into their eyes, it was difficult not to imagine the fear, pain and suffering they had gone through. Soraida walked up to each one offering reassuring words in a tone of voice that the elephants appeared to recognize as coming from someone who does not intend to hurt them. Even so, a mahout was ever watchful to ensure my presence, as a stranger, did not worry his charge. Treating elephants can be difficult at the best of times and, a frightened elephant in pain takes a good deal more skill and courage than most people could muster.

Dr. Preecha, a seasoned elephant vet works closely with Soraida. Together they have faced up to angry elephants, suspicious mahouts, illegal loggers, intimidation, and jealousy from the most unsuspecting quarters. Soraida has also been on the receiving end of death threats.

In her forties (now fifties), Soraida needs a stick (now two walking sticks and a walker) to help her stand and walk. She is not a well person, yet she has an enormous inner strength and outer calmness which belies her poor health.  Various internal problems have resulted in Soraida spending time in hospital for operations and yet, this too is pounced upon by her critics who claim her illnesses as nothing more than a publicity stunt to draw attention to herself.

“We try to work with people who own elephants, it’s the only way. If we didn’t they would not let us treat their animals.  Sometimes though, to protect elephants we have to make strong statements to the public. Attitudes need to change or else there will be no elephants left in Thailand,” Soraida said.

One such time, which brought forth considerable personal abuse upon Soraida, is the use of elephants for begging in the streets of Bangkok.

Visitors to Bangkok are likely to see one or more of the estimated 80 elephants paraded through the hot, dirty noisy streets. These gentle giants, the symbol of Thailand, have been reduced to begging for their food. Two mahouts, one walking alongside clutching a bag full of vegetables, parade their elephant in and out of the traffic plying their trade -- selling vegetables to passers-by to feed the elephant. 

With depressing regularity newspapers carry reports of elephants being struck by vehicles.

Soraida and her organization were successful in getting this practice outlawed, but enforcement has proved next to impossible. It did, however, make her a lot of new enemies.

In August 1999, a Thai elephant from across the border in Burma had stepped on a landmine, and one foot had been blown apart. Soraida recalls the fateful night when the news first reached her, “The fact is “Motala came without notice. She came on a truck at 9.30 p.m., the night of 18th August. Dr. Preecha was away in the south and I was in Bangkok when a member of staff called me, pouring out words I could not understand. I asked to talk to the mahout, but he too, was in a state of shock. I asked him to calm down, take a deep breath and slowly tell me what the wounds are like, is she bleeding profusely, and so on? I was shocked but beyond that, Motala had to be given antibiotics, painkillers, etc. I asked him to call the nearest livestock research centre and sent another staff to drive the car and pick up the vet. The vet came and talked to Dr. Preecha on the phone. He had never treated an elephant before in his life, but his kindness was beyond any fear, he did everything Dr. Preecha instructed him to do for the next 3 days before Dr. Preecha could finally get back to FAE Elephant Hospital. When Dr. Preecha first saw Motala, he called me and told me this, “Khun So, please come, you’ve got to be here”. 

I grabbed my handbag, my personal medicine bag and took a taxi to the airport. When I arrived at FAE in Lampang, we began to hurriedly plan and make arrangements for Motala’s treatment.


News of Motala’s plight quickly spread. Without prompt veterinary help she was destined to die an excruciatingly painful death. Soon the hospital was swamped with media crews and well wishers. The story of Motala was beamed around the world but its great impact was in Thailand. Funds flowed in to pay for the operation Motala needed, nearly 100,000 pounds was raised-in Thailand; a remarkable change of heart since the death of Honey. Even more remarkable was the sight of some 30 doctors, vets and nurses, working as a team to restore Motala’s shattered front left foot. Evidence, if ever it was needed, of the effectiveness of  Soraida Salwala. Without her dream of the hospital, this could never have happened and Motala would most likely have been shot or euthanized.

Motala has been fitted with a prosthetic leg, a new one is being made. She was donated to FAE a few days after her arrival at FAE. Former owner of Motala and his neighbors keep telling their friends and those who own elephants, “There’s a hospital for elephants, I’ve been there. My elephant was saved.”

Kammee had been since been bought from her owner, but not without some tough negotiating on both sides. She was at FAE for over 5 years and had to be put down in 2002 when she collapsed, blind and could no longer stand.

As more forests are cut down there is less and less habitat for wild elephants.  With fewer logs to sell, the loggers no longer need as many elephants. In a very short space of time there will be an enormous surplus of these giants. Unable, or unwilling to look after their elephants, mahouts will then need to find new homes for them. The prospects for these elephants look very bleak.

Soraida wants to buy land to provide a safe home where retired, crippled, injured bulls (always more difficult to handle) can live out their lives in peace. It’s the LAST HOME PROJECT, Soraida calls it, where unwanted elephants will have a decent life until the last day of their lives.

Until now (2011), with few resources and work load, her dream has not come true but she is pleased to learn that many sanctuaries in other countries and in Thailand have been opened, clearly based on what Soraida and her foundation have wished for since 1993.

“There is no one single, simple answer to Thailand’s elephant problems. We do our best and things have certainly gotten better for elephants, but we know we are up against a tremendous problem. God willing, I will devote my every waking hour to helping our elephants,” said Soraida.

“I have received many anonymous phone calls, death threats, king cobras found at the hospital, and many accidents on the roads causing injuries, but despite everything, I shall not waver. Honey, who died in agony, is waiting for me. I am sure she knows I shall keep the promise I made to her before she died “Mother will help your friends, close your eyes and sleep well, my baby, no one can harm you now!”



An Immense thank you to Mr. Sean Whyte   
Soraida Salwala
29 January, 2011


Friends of the Asian Elephant relies on generous donors like you to fund their crucial work. Donations can be made at the PayPal button on their website. You do not need to have a PayPal account.
More information on FAE is available in English at  Jody's Jungle

Follow Soraida Salwala on Twitter: @SoraidaSalwala

Story and photos graciously provided by Soraida Salwala and Jody's Jungle. All rights reserved. Ms. Salwala is the founder of the Friends of the Asian Elephant hospital in Lampang, Thailand.

Who is Soraida Salwala? Part 3

If you're new to this story, please begin at Part 1


by Sean Whyte

The days passed and soon turned into weeks. Reports from Thailand told of a great increased effort to help Honey. She was now being cared for day and night by zoo vets and officials. (Learned later that all wages and expenses were paid by FAE and Soraida herself).

A harness had even been made and secured to raise her off the ground without inflicting further strain on her fractured pelvis. This enabled the vets to treat her worsening bedsores.

Then one day came the dreaded message from a distressed Soraida, “HONEY has died.” After three months Honey could hold out no longer, her weakened body simply unable to cope with the massive injury she had sustained.

That was 1993, a life changing for Soraida. If she was strong and determined before HONEY’s death, she was UNSTOPPABLE now. Leaving her family jewellery business, with the help of Dr. Preecha Phuangkum, a vet with government sector Soraida established the FRIENDS OF THE ASIAN ELEPHANT foundation just a few months before Honey’s accident.

Her love of elephants had begun more than thirty years earlier. Traveling with her family, as a child of eight years in the northeast of the country, they happened upon an elephant lying beside the road. They discovered that a lorry had struck this enormous pachyderm. Getting back into the car, her father explained that nothing could be done to help this poor animal. “We should take him to the doctor Papa”, Soraida cried out. “How can we take him, my dear, he is very big?” As they drove by a gunshot was heard and her father explained, “Uncle elephant is in heaven now, my dear.”

A century ago up to 100,000 elephants worked in the logging and transport business. Poaching, deforestation and loss of habitat have reduced the domesticated population to less than 4,000, while the wild population has dropped to below 2,000.

The pace at which the forests are being cut down, mostly illegally, is such that their greedy owners treat many of the elephants very harshly. One particularly serious problem is that elephants are habitually fed bananas laced with drugs, to give them greater strength to haul giant logs way beyond the capability of any normal elephant.

Five years after first meeting Soraida I found myself standing in a fully-fledged elephant hospital on a hillside some 20 miles north of Lampang, Northern Thailand. I had known for a longtime that Soraida had fulfilled her dream of building the world’s first Elephant Hospital, but nothing quite prepared me for its impressive scale.

On the way from the airport to the hospital, Dr. Preecha Phuangkum, the hospital’s Chief Vet, began to explain the scale of the challenge facing them. To illustrate a point he stopped the car on a roadside. As far as the eye could see there was only green undergrowth and spindly looking trees “This was once virgin forest. I can remember well the great trees that once grew here. Everything you now see is secondary-growth bushes and trees,” said Dr. Preecha.

“Step out of the car for a moment. Listen, can you hear a single bird singing?” Dr. Preecha invited me. I could not, the silence being broken only by large trucks rolling by, heading south in a cloud of dust, laden with logs and bamboo.

“Local people just don’t understand. No trees mean no wild fruits, which in turn results in no insects or birds-there is nothing for anything or anyone to survive on. All the wild animals have been hunted out, and besides there is nothing for them to eat. This place is now virtually dead, useless to everyone. This is what illegal logging does to our country.” Dr. Preecha went on. The story is much the same elsewhere in Asian with wildlife being crammed into ever smaller and fewer wild spaces.

Soraida met us at the hospital and, as I gazed around, I could barely believe my eyes. There, around me, were elephants being attended by their mahouts (men who care for and control the elephants). Solid looking, open sided structures provided shade for the recuperating elephants. We went to look at the veterinary clinic building, one I’m sure any western vet would be proud to work in. What was a dream five years earlier was now a fully functional hospital for elephants, a world first.

“We have so far treated over 400 cases (over 3,000 cases now from 1993-2011) free of charge-poor animals which otherwise would have gone on in pain, many to an early death,”

“This makes me happy but there is so much more we need to do, the situation is desperate. Take Kamme there, a female elephant in her early fifties, she came to us with terrible injuries caused by the cruel treatment meted out by loggers; on top of this she had  been regularly fed amphetamines to make her work longer hours, and now she is addicted to them.” Soraida told me.

The conclusion of this story is in Part 4.


Friends of the Asian Elephant relies on generous donors like you to fund their crucial work. Donations can be made at the PayPal button on their website. You do not need to have a PayPal account.
More information on FAE is available in English at  Jody's Jungle
Follow Soraida Salwala on Twitter: @SoraidaSalwala

Story and photos graciously provided by Soraida Salwala. All rights reserved. Ms. Salwala is the founder of the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital in Lampang, Thailand.

Who is Soraida Salwala? Part 2

If you're new to this story, please begin at Part 1


by Sean Whyte

Every British zoo vet I spoke to was shocked at the extent of the elephant’s injuries. They advised us as best they could: some were even willing to come out to Bangkok, providing the Thai zoo authorities formally invited them. The zoo dismissed this offer of help and Honey’s fate looked ever more desperate. Each time I returned to Honey at the zoo, there was Soraida, providing tender loving care to her, day and night.

One last ditch effort was called for to persuade the zoo to help Honey.

(the fact unfolded later that  it was Soraida who actally brought Honey to the zoo and the owner gave her the ownership of Honey but some people refused to listen even when she wanted to take Honey back to Lampang )

I contacted the Daily Star newspaper with the story and asked for their urgent help with running a feature on how this beautiful baby elephant was being left to die in terrible pain. To their credit they not only did this, they also offered to fly Honey to England where specialist help was available. The Thai authorities were not in the least bit interested and were adamant that leaving the elephant to die was the right thing to do.

By now, though, word of Honey’s plight had begun to spread. We sensed a growing concern from the authorities. After one long and especially harrowing day Soraida said, “Mr. Whyte, may I show you my plans for an elephant hospital? I never want to see another elephant suffer like this again.”

Unrolling a set of architect drawings Soraida proceeded to explain her dream of building the world’s only elephant hospital. It became apparent that helping elephants was something she had been planning for some time. “An elephant hospital, Soraida? Will there be enough serious accidents like this to justify the expense?” I was more than a little curious to find out.

“Let me explain to you why this hospital is so desperately needed,” said Soraida. It was a grim story – one of drug abuse, law-breaking, corruption, deliberate injuries being inflicted on these magnificent animals by greedy owners, accidental injuries pulling logs from deep in the forests, the list went on. Although I’d been involved in wildlife conservation all my life and I had been to Thailand before, this news came as a shock to me.

“I don’t know how I will build the hospital, I just know it wil be built if it’s the will of God,” Soraida said. Given what I had just seen and heard, and the general attitude towards strong-willed women in Thailand, I confess I had my doubts.  Deep down, though, something was telling me Soraida would achieve her dream. We both knew she was likely to face fierce opposition, personal attacks on her integrity and a government bureaucracy that can stop all but the corrupt in their tracks.


“Soraida, I think it’s a wonderful idea. We both know it won’t be easy but if anyone can get this hospital built, I’m certain you are that person. Please keep me informed of your progress and let me know how I might be able to help you,” I said. Soon after this I had to return to England but not before making one last visit to Honey.

This time there was clearly some action being taken at last. Zoo vets were now on the scene and beginning to try and ease this gentle baby’s suffering. There was even a barrier erected to keep back the growing numbers of onlookers and sympathizers. Easing my way through the crowd I told the officials, now busying themselves around Honey, that I had come to say goodbye to the baby elephant. Lying down beside Honey one last time, I kissed her trunk and whispered to her a few words of comfort. On the long flight back to England that night I could not sleep. All I could do was think of Honey and bring the image of her vividly to mind. I vowed then I would do all that I could to help both SORAIDA and HONEY.


Go to Part 3.

Friends of the Asian Elephant relies on generous donors like you to fund their crucial work. Donations can be made at the PayPal button on their website. You do not need to have a PayPal account.
More information on FAE is available in English at  Jody's Jungle
Follow Soraida Salwala on Twitter: @SoraidaSalwala

Story and photos graciously provided by Soraida Salwala. All rights reserved. Ms. Salwala is the founder of the Friends of the Asian Elephant Hospital in Lampang, Thailand.

Dallas Does Better for Jenny

Two years ago, Jenny was a very unhappy African elephant. She lived in a small, barren enclosure of less than an acre. Her most recent companion had died, leaving her alone. Worse yet, the Dallas Zoo planned to send her to a drive-through animal park in Mexico.

Animal advocates across the country leaped to her assistance. A local group of her supporters protested outside the zoo and took her case to the City Council. Even Lily Tomlin got involved, visiting Jenny and speaking to the council on her behalf. Several members of the Dallas City Council were in favor of moving Jenny to The Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee.

The zoo backed down on the plan to send her to Mexico after it was made clear to the public just how unsuitable the drive-through park would be for Jenny. The space would have been small, and visitors would have been able to drive completely around her space at all hours of day and night. How can anyone relax when there is no time of day guaranteed to be hers alone?

Jenny also has an aversion to the loud noise and sight of heavy equipment. Years ago, she witnessed a large machine remove a companion who had died in their shared enclosure. Not understanding what it was, she likely thought it was some kind of monster hurting her friend. If we put ourselves in her position, I think we could relate to that. Imagine fearing vehicles and being subjected to them driving around you at any time.

So the zoo announced plans to hasten a renovation project that would allow them to bring in more elephants. Jenny would not go to a sanctuary, but the zoo promised to bring better accommodations to her.

Well, the new elephant exhibit is almost ready, and Jenny appears to be enjoying it. In an interview with KERA, Dallas Zoo Director Greg Hudson expresses pleasure with how quickly Jenny and her companion, Gypsy, have taken to it. They're playing in the water and the sand. There are four more elephants for Jenny and Gypsy to get to know. The new residents, aged 30 to 40 years, are being called, "The Golden Girls."

The new exhibit is 15 acres in size, although the elephants have only 5 acres of that. Their area includes trees for pushing and rubbing against, water holes and various enrichment stations including a specially constructed African Fig tree that can be shaken to release fruit and nuts. Giraffes, lions and cheetahs will have space in the new Giants of the Savanna exhibit. Two areas can even be opened to allow the species to share space and interact, just like in the wild. Meet the girls and see a sneak peak and description of the features of the new elephant habitat. Watch a quick video tour via a story by WFAA, or meet all the animals in person beginning May 28th.

Don’t Let Them Forget Queenie

This article was originally posted at HelpanElephant.com on April 30, 2010. Well, Queenie went to the San Antonio Zoo last week. It wasn’t a pleasure trip. Instead, she had to get up in the middle of the night to be transferred under cover of darkness. That’s the way they do things. No witnesses, no protesters, just a new elephant at the zoo in the morning. And a new elephant it is. Welcome, Boo. Yes, the zoo is calling her Boo. She probably doesn’t mind. She’s been known by both names for years. It’s convenient for the zoo though. The protesters have all been trying to save Queenie. Don’t send Queenie to that zoo. Well, there’s no Queenie there. And it’s working. An online article in the San Antonio media was followed by several comments from elephant advocates who were still trying to save Queenie. Then there was a comment from a typical resident who knows nothing of the controversy. She wrote of looking forward to seeing Boo, and then she asked, “Who’s Queenie?” Well, not everyone will forget Queenie that easily. Since we learned of her transfer, Queenie’s supporters have been busy calling the Secretary of Agriculture, the USDA’s Animal Care Division, sending emails to the USDA’s liaison to the White House, and we’ve even called the White House comment line. Now in response to all the uproar, it appears that the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry is considering holding a meeting about Queenie and the USDA’s decision regarding her placement. This is good news. Let’s make the most of it. The committee chairs need to know Queenie’s side of the story. That means it’s time for more letters. You can send snail mail letters, but know that they will be delayed because of all the security the mail goes through now before being delivered to our legislators. Always include your email address in your letter for a response. A quicker solution is to submit your letter using the comment form that each senator maintains on their websites. That’s what I did. You can write one letter, but please send it to each senator so they have their own copy. Send to the following: U.S. Senate Committee On Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Attn: Chairman Blanche Lincoln 328A Senate Russell Office Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20510 Email Chairman Lincoln: click here. And also to: U.S. Senate Committee On Agriculture, Nutrition & Forestry Attn: Ranking Member Saxby Chambliss 328A Senate Russell Office Bldg. Washington, D. C. 20510 Email Senator Chambliss: click here. Oh, and write to the President of the United States too. The Honorable Barack Obama President of the United States The White House Washington, D. C. 20500 Email President Obama: click here Call Comment Line: 202-456-1111

Can This Elephant Be Saved?

This article was originally posted at HelpanElephant.com on April 21, 2010.

The decision has been made, paper work has been signed, and the judge has agreed to the plan. Queenie must be delivered to the San Antonio Zoo no later than Monday, April 26. Done deal, right? Maybe not. Tens of thousands of people just like you and me have voiced their opposition to this action. We’ve called Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack, sent emails and faxes to his office, signed petitions and encouraged our friends to join us. The animal activists who worked on arranging Queenie’s transfer to a sanctuary haven’t given up. They’re still hard at work exploring every avenue to have this agreement rescinded. In Defense of Animals sent a letter to Sec’y Vilsack, clearly explaining why Queenie should not be sent to this zoo. Pat Derby, Director of PAWS, the Performing Animal Welfare Society, has written a letter to the USDA reminding them of her formal offer to accept Queenie. The original offer was made six months ago, describing the facilities and level of care that would be provided to Queenie. The elephants currently residing there roam over peaceful hillsides and valleys, enjoying the varied terrain that builds strength and stamina while healing foot conditions that are common in confined zoo enclosures. They are not put on display or expected to perform for the public. Now, even higher profile voices have entered the discussion. Bob Barker, Emmy award winning television host, is speaking out, asking that the situation be corrected. He had this to say:

"Secretary Vilsack, Queenie has already suffered at the hands of humans. She has endured a lifetime of captivity in traveling shows. You have a unique opportunity to do the right thing for this beautiful animal. Please send her to the PAWS sanctuary to live out her sunset years. And my pledge to you is that it won't cost the United States government a penny."

Joyce Poole, the noted elephant expert and Director of Elephant Voices, also weighed in on the needs of elephants. In a letter she reminded the Secretary of the USDA’s mandate to enforce the Animal Welfare Act, which is intended to protect animals from inhumane treatment and conditions. She pointed out that the choice is between a facility designed for the long term care and rehabilitation of elephants or a zoo that has been described as one of the worst places for elephants. Will Secretary Vilsack listen to these people who know about the needs of elephants? Or is he listening to the Association of Zoos and Aquariums? They’ve done nothing to monitor circuses for abuse. They’ve done nothing to protect elephants and other animals forced to perform for abusive and neglectful owners. The AZA wants to acquire more elephants to stock their zoos. There is no conservation in taking in an older elephant. They want her for entertainment value. It’s vital for Queenie’s health that she be allowed to retire to a sanctuary. PAWS had an agreement in place before the USDA intervened. Please continue to call the USDA at 202-720-3631, send a fax to 202-720-2166, email them at agsec@usda.gov. Sign the petition. Tell a friend about Queenie and ask them to contact the USDA and Sec’y Vilsack. Do it today. Do it right now. Let’s melt the phone lines, wear out the fax machine and flood his inbox. Can this elephant be saved? I have to believe the answer is “Yes”.