Pittsburgh Zoo Takes Heat For Baby Elephant's Death

PITTSBURGH, PA - The Pittsburgh Zoo & PPG Aquarium is being criticized for its treatment of the three-month old baby elephant euthanized Wednesday.

People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals Associate Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement Rachel Mathews called on the zoo to eliminate its elephant breeding program in the wake of the animal’s death. The elephant was put down after being born prematurely and having stopped teething; the recent insertion of a feeding tube did not produce enough weight gain for the animal to survive.

“This elephant's short life ended without the comfort of her mother or other elephants,” Matthews said in a statement. “The Pittsburgh Zoo has publicly glossed over the apparent true extent of the health crisis that this unnamed baby must have suffered.”

Zoo officials anticipated the criticism. In the release announcing the elephant’s death, issued prior to the PETA statement, zoo officials said they expected accusations from those “with limited information and no animal care experience.”

“Sadly, these individuals seek to benefit their own agendas by misrepresenting the realities of a tragic situation and demanding action based on misinformation,” the release stated. “Despite the outcome, we fully stand behind the informed and calculated decisions made, and the valiant efforts and commitment of the team of experts who cared for the elephant calf.”

Photo by Brant via Creative Commons.