Elephant’s Death at Zoo

We read with great dismay “Zoo Not to Blame in Elephant’s Death” (Nov. 5), which noted a recent investigative report that, the article implies, absolved the Los Angeles Zoo of any blame in the death of Hannibal, the healthy, young African bull elephant that died in the early stages of a planned move to a Mexico zoo. This story is an example of public relations manipulation at its worst--an effort to avoid the public condemnation the zoo deserves.

The zoo issued a news release which, to its benefit, focused on the two dissenting opinions in the report, rather than the majority opinion under which the report was filed.

The majority opinion of the commission was that the Los Angeles Zoo was found “likely” at fault in Hannibal’s death as a result of 1) “ . . . the agitated condition that Hannibal was in during the time of preparation for the move”; 2) “the medication given in the 24-hour period immediately preceding the move”; 3) “and the residual drugs which may have remained in his system. . . .” Additionally, Hannibal fell on his chest while being loaded and was left that way for approximately 21 hours--from the time he went down until the time he was found dead. This inordinate amount of pressure on his chest--10,000 pounds worth--was also a factor in his death.

The commission’s report supports what we, in the animal protection community, believed all along: Hannibal’s death was a preventable tragedy--a death which might never have happened had the advice of appropriate and qualified elephant experts and movers been consulted and heeded in preparation for the move. In light of this needless death, it seems that a full re-evaluation of the zoo’s veterinary staff is in order. Those responsible must be held accountable.

GRETCHEN WYLER, President

The Ark Trust, Studio City