Brooklyn Councilwoman Shahana Hanif has introduced a bill that would ban elephant captivity in New York City.
The proposed legislation builds on existing city and state laws that prohibit the use of elephants in circuses. If passed, it would directly impact the Bronx Zoo, which is home to two elephants – Happy and Patty.
Happy has lived at the Bronx Zoo for 45 years. Last year, a New York court ruled she is not legally a person and must remain at the zoo.
Supported by the Nonhuman Rights Project and Voters For Animal Rights, the bill would be the first elephant captivity ban in the US passed in a city that currently has elephants in captivity.
Bill would impact the Bronx Zoo
Under the proposed legislation, all forms of elephant captivity are banned in the city. Anywhere that wants to keep an elephant would need to meet strict conditions. If these could not be met, the elephant would have to be relocated to a sanctuary.
“No other city has passed legislation to ban elephant captivity, and I’m proud New York City will be the first,” said Hanif.Â
“I’m proud to introduce this new legislation today to set new humane standards around elephant captivity in our city.
“These regulations will ensure the complex social-emotional needs of elephants are met and if they can’t be, then this bill requires elephants be released to a sanctuary.”
Wildlife conservation charity Born Free released a report in 2022 that calls for a ban on keeping elephants in captivity. This year, the group has called for a ban on keeping polar bears in captivity.
“Elephants don’t belong in captivity”
“It’s clearer than ever that elephants don’t belong in captivity and suffer greatly when deprived of their freedom,” said Courtney Fern, the director of government relations and campaigns for the Nonhuman Rights Project.
“This bill is a profound step forward for animal protection and honors the complex physical, emotional, and social needs of elephants—thinking, feeling beings who deserve freedom,” added Allie Taylor, the president of Voters For Animal Rights.
In a statement to FOX 5, the Bronx Zoo said it is “universally recognized as a leader in animal care, management, exhibitry, education and conservation”.
“The bill is full of general, boilerplate language regarding elephants, references issues that are not relevant and does not consider our two elephants as individuals with distinct personalities,” the statement said.
Image: Gigi Glendinning/Nonhuman Rights Project
