Why would any wild animal prefer confinement?

Marge Hackett

Date published: 7/3/2006

Ron Miller's snide comments about letter-writer Donna Dixon's concern for the plight of circus animals is pretty typical of an industry that exploits animals ["Zoo, circus animals are on the dole ," June 27].

Those who have loved and lived with an animal companion know when their friend is happy or unhappy, depressed, ill, etc.

While rarely seen in the wild, elephants do weep, as attested to by animal researchers.

Perhaps Mr. Miller is unfamiliar with Wonder Dust, a gray powder used in the industry to cover up bullhook wounds inflicted by handlers.

Because elephants are genetically programmed to walk many miles each day, why would they prefer confinement, chains, hooks, and artificial habitats, unable to follow their natural instincts?

The Amboseli Elephant Research Project states that no captive situation can provide elephants with the space they need.

It is curious that Mr. Miller says that captive elephants live longer than those in the wild, when wild African elephants have been known to live well into their 70s or 80s.

Yet the average age at death of a captive elephant is mid-30s.

There may be the occasional killing of a young African elephant calf by lions, but it's rare. Most circus elephants are Asian elephants, and the only lions in Asia are in captivity, so there's not much of a threat there.

Chronic diseases are seen in most captive elephants: foot rot, arthritis, osteomyelitis, and psychological problems.

The animals are discarded after their money-making days are over. The Elephant Sanctuary and PAWS have given a second lease on life to some of them and should be supported. Retiring to a zoo or a farm is less than ideal.

Unfortunately, Mr. Miller did not do his homework before presenting misinformation in portraying the life of a circus elephant as complete.

Ojai, Calif.

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Date published: 7/3/2006