A coalition of animal rights groups has abandoned its two year long legal effort to remove Lucky the Asian elephant from the San Antonio Zoo, News Radio 1200 WOAI reports.
The groups, many of which oppose the concept of zoos, had claimed that holding Lucky in her area at the zoo was cruel and violated animal treatment laws.
The Zoo has long maintained that the care it provides for Lucky and its other elephants far exceeds the standards set by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums and American Humane.
“We are pleased that this lawsuit has come to an end,” said Tim Morrow, CEO and Executive Director of San Antonio Zoo. “Our zoo staff is dedicated to the care and conservation of animals both here and in the wild. There is nobody that loves, cares for or wants the best for Lucky and all of our animals more than we do. We knew the facts would fully support our position. It’s unfortunate that defending this lawsuit has been a costly and time-consuming hindrance to our operations. As a non-profit 501(c)(3), this lawsuit consumed precious resources that could have been more productively used for even more improvements for the thousands of animals in our care.”
In fact, last year the Zoo added two additional elephants, to provide company for Lucky in the zoo elephant habitat.
In addition, the zoo provides support to organizations which protect elephants and other animals in the wild.
Morrow was just named to the board of directors of the International Elephant Foundation, which works to further the cause of elephant preservation.
“Our new vision for the zoo centers around greater emphasis on conservation and education programs such as the new Will Smith Zoo School nature-based preschool which will open in January,” added Morrow. “We invite the community to get involved. Come see what we’re all about, support our programs. Together we can help secure a future for wildlife.”
IMAGE COURTESY: SAN ANTONIO ZOO