Keith: “It is sort of like they just did not realize what they have missed until they were exposed to a different life.” Scott: “In many cases, yes, because it becomes about survival.” Keith: “You not only provided sanctuary but you actually went out and rescued elephants. Is that right?” Scott: “Yeah, you know, the … Continue reading »
Keith: “Now, you co-founded the nation’s largest elephant sanctuary, The Tennessee Elephant Sanctuary, in 1995, and… Can you tell us a bit about how you founded it and about the sanctuary?” Scott: “Sure, absolutely. And exactly the story you just talked about is part of the reason why we founded it. When we actually were … Continue reading »
Dr. Poole, in her letter of support, reflects on the angst experienced by captive elephants and how Billy’s “stereotypic head bobbing … not a behavior observed in the wild … is a coping mechanism for the loneliness, boredom and frustration that characterizes his life in the zoo. His behavior is symptomatic of the enormous frustration … Continue reading »
Since the age of four, when he was dragged away from his mother and elephant family in Malaysia, Billy has been held in captivity at the Los Angeles Zoo. That he has been able to survive, for endless years of his life, both physically and emotionally, is beyond what any elephant should have to endure. … Continue reading »