Five captured elephant calves released
The Born Free Foundation has announced that five young captured elephants have been released, news which has been confirmed by the ZNSPCA and Animals Asia.
The animals were destined for zoos in China, but the Zimbabwe Parks and Management Authority has made the decision to release them. The infant elephants arrived at Umfurudzi Park on 19th January where they will undergo rehabilitation and integration with other elephants within the secure area.
Whilst the Born Free Foundation says this is "good news" for the five calves, there remains great concern for three young elephants sent to China in November 2012. According to Animals Asia the wild-caught calves are currently in miserable conditions in Taiyuan Zoo and Xinjiang Safari Park, and a fourth animal who was sent with them has already died.
Will Travers OBE, CEO of the Born Free Foundation added: “While it’s good news for the 5 elephants that will be returned to the wild, Born Free is appalled by the fate of the 3 survivors in China and the prospect that more may yet follow.
"The pictures we have seen of a concrete bunker and a featureless outside yard, together with temperatures that have recently fallen to more than 20 degrees below are a nightmare scenario.”
The ZNSPCA has now questioned the assessment criteria for granting export permits. According to the charity: "such criteria would appear not to prioritise animal welfare." Born Free have called for live animals to be moved only to in situ conservation projects, where they will be introduced to previous wild elephant habitat.
Animals Asia are reportedly corresponding with the China Association of Zoological Gardens, providing advice and support to aid the three calves already in China.
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