[Greens-Media] Elephant and rhino dead within one week * RSPCA asked to investigate

[Lee Rhiannon]

MEDIA RELEASE
11 June 2007

Elephant and rhino dead within one week * RSPCA asked to investigate


Greens MP and animal welfare spokesperson Lee Rhiannon has asked the
RSPCA to investigate the weekend death of an African elephant at the
Western Plains Zoo and the death of a pregnant one horned rhinoceros at
Taronga Zoo last week.

*I have asked the RSPCA to investigate these tragic deaths as the
government has failed to initiate an independent inquiry into animal
welfare standards at the two NSW government controlled zoos," Ms
Rhiannon said

*The death of this elephant has occurred less than a week after the
death of a pregnant endangered one horned rhinoceros at Taronga Zoo.

*Two elephants have now died at Western Plains Zoo in the last six
months. 

*Elephants live to 60 to 70 years in the wild. Although their life
expectancy is considerably reduced in captivity the death of this
elephant at 35 highlights that its death needs to be investigated.

"I am disappointed that Minister Koperberg has not initiated an
independent inquiry. The Minister needs to stop relying on Zoo Director
Guy Cooper*s assertions that there is no problem. 

*Information I have received from secret government documents
released on a Greens Upper House motion and from people associated with
these zoos indicate that animal welfare needs to be improved. 

*All the reports I have received emphasise the dedication and hard
work of the zoo*s keepers. It appears however there is a problem with
management. 

"Mr Cooper has no background in zoology and it appears he puts the
zoo's commercial interests before animal welfare.

*The deaths of two elephants within six months will fuel the debate
about the appropriateness of keeping wild elephants in zoos. Elephants
in the wild spend much of their time migrating in large family units,
sometimes as many as 100 members, and have intricate social networks*,
Ms Rhiannon said.


For more information:  Lee Rhiannon * 0427 861 568