Stresses the essence of PETA’s recent court win against a Californian Zoo
PETA is celebrating a recent March 2023 court victory that ruled that the Monterey Zoo had failed to demonstrate that the use of canes to control their elephants was an activity that the First Amendment protected. [i]
The district court found that the zoo had been using the canes to poke, prod, and control the elephants, which was not an activity that was protected under the First Amendment. [i]
This ruling is seen as a small victory for animal rights activists, who are seeking to limit the use of bullhooks, whips, and other instruments of force used to control animals. The court ruling is seen as a step in the right direction in the effort to protect animals from cruel and unnecessary treatment. [i]
Recently, a lion named Ala was videoed at an enclosure in Nanjing, China. The lion was videotaped, appearing severely emaciated and unkempt, with its bones visible through its fur. The animal’s thin and weak state has caused an outcry around the world, with many people questioning if the zoo is deliberately starving its animals and neglecting the necessary care and nutrition that should be provided. [iv]
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In response to the outcry, the zoo has claimed that the lion’s condition was due to an illness.
They say that the lion has been receiving the necessary medical treatment. However, the zoo has yet to provide any evidence of such treatment. [iv]
As a result, the zoo is now under intense scrutiny, with people demanding a thorough investigation to ensure that all the animals are provided with the necessary care and nutrition. [ii]
The lion, which appears to be malnourished and unsteady, lives in an enclosure in Nanjing Jinniu Lake Safari Park, part of the Nanjing Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom. Footage of the animal was shared on Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, and has sparked a wave of outrage online. [ii]
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The video shows the lion slowly and unsteadily descending several steps
He appears to have difficulty walking. Its thin frame is visible in the video, prompting further concerns about its health and well-being. Animal rights activists have called for an investigation into the lion’s living conditions and urged the park to take action to ensure the animal is properly cared for. [ii]
Authorities responded to the concern about the lion’s well-being, claiming that the lion is so old that he has difficulty chewing his food. According to experts, the animal is estimated to be 25 years old, making him the equivalent of 80 years old if it were a human. [iv]
As a result, he is fed a special diet of liquid protein and small pieces of meat while being closely monitored by experts to ensure his health and safety. In addition, the lion is provided with regular veterinary care to ensure that his age-related health issues are appropriately managed. [iv]
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Watch the video of Ala, the lion, below
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Nanjing Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom is located on the bank of Jinniu Lake, Liuhe District, Nanjing, covering an area of 1600,8 mu and a total investment of about 2019 million yuan. This location comprises mainly pre-existing mountainous land, bamboo groves, and forest land. It has been designed to take advantage of and protect the natural ecological resources while creating a mountainous, ecological wildlife sanctuary. [vi]
After 2016, the construction of Nanjing Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom was underway, and the initial release of over 500 species of creatures and roughly 340 animals was anticipated. Amongst the animals that would be featured were not only the “national treasure” of rare creatures such as pandas and twisted antelopes but also more unusual, internationally protected species such as koalas and anteaters. [vi]
According to authorities, in January 2021, the Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom Scenic Area was awarded the prestigious national AAA tourist scenic spot rating.
This rating is allegedly a testament to the scenic area’s stunning beauty and commitment to providing visitors with an unparalleled experience. [vi]
Reports indicate that the scenic area is home to a stunning array of flora and fauna, including various indigenous species that can be observed in their natural habitat. With numerous activities on offer, such as hiking, bird-watching, and camping, many assert that the area is, in fact, an ideal destination for outdoor enthusiasts. [vi]
Furthermore, it is asserted that the lake is renowned for its serene beauty and is a popular spot for fishermen and those looking for a peaceful place to relax and take in the sights. Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom Scenic Area is considered a must-visit destination for any traveler, according to some. [vi]
Watch the video below of Nanjing Jinniu Lake Safari Park.
The outrage highlights the importance of victories like PETA’s recent court victory.
The victory allows PETA to move forward with its lawsuit alleging that they are breaking the law by using their canes as weapons against the elephants in defiance of California’s prohibition on bullhooks and other tools created to cause pain to train or control the animals. [i]
The lawsuit claims the Monterey Zoo has broken state labor laws by utilizing outdated circus-style methods to control elephants, which include placing the handlers in the same area with the animals and coercing them through intimidation, strength, and penalties. [i]
Caitlin Hawks, the General Counsel of the PETA Foundation, states that the workers at this facility have been mistreating elephants for years, inflicting physical and mental harm on them in opposition to state regulations. No other zoo in California still practices such cruel, direct contact with elephants, and PETA is now allowed to take legal action to force the Monterey Zoo to stop these brutal tactics. [i]
The Monterey Zoo has been under scrutiny.
This is because two of its elephants have passed away in questionable circumstances. One was euthanized due to a joint condition, and the other died from ingesting too much sand, which caused a rupture in its large intestine. In response, the zoo has sent the sole remaining elephant, Butch, to another location but intends to bring him back along with more elephants in the future. [i]
Just two years ago, the Monterey Zoo was ranked number five on a list of worst zoos for elephants by In Defense of Animals, which works to protect animal rights. This ranking was based on various factors, such as the size of the enclosures, the amount of natural sunlight and habitat available to the elephants, and the number of enrichment activities provided. [iii]
The organization also considered the medical care and general welfare of the animals.
They found that the Monterey Zoo fell short in several areas. As a result of the low ranking, the Monterey Zoo has since taken steps to improve the conditions for their elephants, such as increasing the size of the enclosures and providing more varied enrichment activities. [iii]
Ultimately, PETA hopes that no elephants suffer at the hands of Monterey Zoo due to a lack of proper animal care and disregard for elephant lives. [i]
Watch the video below for Monterey Zoo’s initial response to being ranked #5 worst zoo for elephants by In Defense of Animals.
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References
[i] PETA Press Release, Victory: PETA Wins Monterey Zoo Lawsuit Appeal (Mar. 3, 2023)
[ii] Baidu, Nanjing Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom (2023)
[iii] In Defense of Animals, 10 Worst Zoos for Elephants 2020 (2021)
[iv] Plu7, ‘World’s saddest lion’ is seen looking like a walking skeleton at Chinese zoo (Mar. 16, 2023)
[vi] Baidu, Nanjing Jinniu Lake Wildlife Kingdom (2023)