Zoo’s Reputation at Stake

Zoos are unnatural environments by definition. Wild animals must adapt to and accommodate the agendas of the human keepers on whom they depend for feeding and other care.

In the best, such as the San Diego Zoo and the Wild Animal Park, zookeepers strive for as natural an environment as possible. They pride themselves on sophisticated understanding of the animals and wildlife preservation, while giving visitors enjoyable experiences.

For all of these reasons, the zoo and Wild Animal Park have earned a special place in San Diegans’ hearts.

But implied in that respect and affection is an assumption that the animals are well cared for.

So it was shocking when zoo trainers accused Wild Animal Park trainers of animal abuse.

Zoo trainers say an African elephant was severely beaten on the head, leaving deep wounds, after it was transferred from the zoo to the animal park in February. The park says the elephant was not abused, just aggressively disciplined.

A zoo veterinarian found that the force was excessive but understandable because the elephant had threatened its trainers.

Now, the Humane Society of the United States, the San Diego Humane Society and the U.S. Department of Agriculture are investigating.

Though some force may be unavoidable when a human tries to control an 8,000-pound elephant, the question is whether the discipline got out of control and whether proper procedures were followed in moving the elephant. Another question is whether the apparent turf war between the two parks is impeding good animal management.

The Zoological Society, guardian of both institutions, should cooperate fully with the investigations and make the results public, even if critical. It needs to assure the public that any problems are addressed. Only if people trust that animals are being lovingly cared for can the zoo society hope to keep its reputation.