IDA Tells Six Flags to Tackle Elephant Problem

New report reveals evidence of illness and abuse at amusement park

IDA held a press conference last week in front of Six Flags Discovery Kingdom in Vallejo, Calif. to issue a report on the state of the elephants at the amusement park. Citing medical records and eyewitness testimony, IDA disclosed evidence that the elephants are victims of abusive treatment and are ailing as a direct result of the inadequate, stressful, and barren conditions at the park. IDA also urged an immediate end to shows that may exacerbate elephants' physical ailments.

As the city is part "owner" of four of the elephants, IDA urged the Mayor of Vallejo, Anthony Intintoli, to send the elephants to a sanctuary instead of selling them to the park when it is sold to Six Flags, Inc., a deal that is still pending. "The city of Vallejo has made millions of dollars from this park and these elephants," IDA President Elliot M. Katz, DVM wrote in a letter to Mayor Intintoli. "Instead of selling them like furniture, the City must take immediate responsibility for their well-being by sending the elephants to a sanctuary where they can live the rest of their lives in peace."

IDA also sent a letter to Daniel M. Snyder, owner of the Washington Redskins and Chairman of the Board for Six Flags, Inc. (as well as the company's major shareholder), urging him to intervene on behalf of the seven elephants confined at Discovery Kingdom. The letter included several examples of ailing elephants at the park, including:

Tina, who suffered from foot disease so severe that her feet would bleed and ooze pus whenever she stepped on them. When euthanized in 2003, Tina's autopsy showed not only severe foot disease, but also severe arthritis in all four of her limbs.

Misha, who gored a trainer with her tusk in 2003 after being repeatedly attacked by the park's other elephants. Despite a painful and chronically infected jaw wound, Misha was artificially inseminated, became pregnant, delivered a stillborn calf, and was artificially inseminated again. It appears that she was confined alone for two years after goring the trainer before being shipped off to a Utah zoo in 2005.

Liz, who suffers a chronic and recurrent problem with infection on the toe of her left foot. X-ray evidence appears to indicate that the infection has invaded the bone.

Elderly, arthritic Taj, who is maintained on high doses of painkillers.

Malaika, who experiences severe allergic reactions, including hives and throat constriction that make breathing and swallowing difficult. Like Misha, Malaika is the victim of aggression from other elephants. Eyewitness reports indicate that Malaika was beaten at the park as a young elephant and lived in fear of her trainer.

Both Liz and Taj are used in performances, in which they are forced to stack 600-pound logs with their diseased feet, and to give rides, activities that exacerbate their degenerative conditions. The park's seven elephants are subjected on a daily basis to a coercive system of management that relies on physical discipline and domination, enforced through the use of a bullhook.

"Unlike football players who have a choice in being subject to harsh physical conditions, the elephants at Six Flags do not. All of the elephants have lived in an abusive and negligent environment and still performed dutifully for your company for years," Katz's letter to Snyder concluded. "They deserve to spend the rest of their lives in a more natural setting that offers the space and conditions elephants need to thrive."

Media coverage of IDA's protest included an article in the Vallejo Times-Herald, the San Francisco Chronicle, and a segment on KTVU News.

What You Can Do

1) Please Take Action to urge the City of Vallejo's Mayor to send elephants to a sanctuary instead of selling them to Six Flags. Also follow up with a polite letter, phone call, fax, or personal email.

Mayor Anthony Intintoli
555 Santa Clara Street
Vallejo, California 94590
Tel: (707) 648-4377
Fax: (707) 649-3479
Email: mayor@ci.vallejo.ca.us

2) Politely ask Six Flags Chairman Daniel M. Snyder to focus on rides and send the elephants to a sanctuary. Also let him know that shows that exacerbate elephants' ailments should cease immediately.

Daniel M. Snyder, Six Flags Chairman
Washington Redskins
21300 Redskins Park Dr.
Ashburn, VA 20147
Fax: (703) 726-7124

3) Join IDA's Elephant Task Force

IDA is seeking volunteers who are interested in organizing leafleting activities at Six Flags and other zoos that have elephants. You will receive periodic updates and calls to action to help elephants currently suffering in our country.

For more information about IDA's efforts to help captive elephants, please visit www.helpelephants.com.