Alaska Zoo Announces Decision to Relocate
Maggie the Elephant

On Wednesday, June 6, the Alaska Zoo Board of Directors announced that it would relocate Maggie, a 27-year-old African elephant who has long been the center of controversy, to a yet-to-be named facility, provided certain criteria can be met. IDA is applauding the decision to move the long-suffering pachyderm and is urging Alaska Zoo to send Maggie to a sanctuary rather than another zoo. Only a sanctuary can provide the space and natural conditions that Maggie needs to thrive.

"Finally, the Alaska Zoo has made the right decision for Maggie," said veterinarian and IDA president Dr. Elliot Katz. "I only hope that it is not too late."

Inadequate conditions at Alaska Zoo have taken a serious toll on Maggie. Last month, Maggie was twice found lying down and unable to get up. Both times, the Anchorage Fire Department hoisted Maggie up, utilizing as many as 17 firefighters and heavy equipment. During the first incident, Maggie was down for up to 19 hours, an extremely dangerous situation because the weight of the elephant’s body can stop blood flow to the extremities, impair breathing, and damage internal organs.

Maggie has captured worldwide attention as the only elephant in Alaska, where she is forced to spend the cold half of the year indoors and sedentary in a 1600-square-foot pen with concrete flooring, which can lead to fatal foot and joint problems. Maggie has lived alone since the 1997 death of her companion, Annabelle, caused by chronic foot infections. Annabelle was euthanized at age 33, half an elephant’s natural lifespan.

"At a sanctuary, Maggie will have access to the space, varied terrain, and socialization that all elephants desperately need," explained Katz. "Increased movement on natural surfaces will help Maggie to heal from the punishing years spent indoors and sedentary at Alaska Zoo."

Meanwhile, IDA continues to urge the Zoo to release medical records to the public. As a private facility not subject to state open records laws, Alaska Zoo is not required to publicly disclose records documenting Maggie’s current physical condition.

Thank you to everyone who called, wrote, and emailed the Alaska Zoo. Reports indicated that the Zoo has heard from thousands of concerned individuals in support of relocating Maggie, so your voice does make a difference!

For more information on IDA’s campaign to move Maggie, please visit www.HelpElephants.com.