U.S. to import baby elephants from Zimbabwe despite uproar

[sandensea]

U.S. zoos now plan to import baby elephants from Zimbabwe, undeterred by the international furor over their 2016 import of 18 wild elephants from Swaziland.

This import is despite ongoing international campaigns against Zimbabwe’s wild-caught elephant trade and international condemnation for the 2016 US purchase of 18 wild elephants from eSwatini (Swaziland) by AZA accredited zoos.

Of the “Swazi 18” sold to Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Wichita’s Sedgwick County Zoo and Dallas Zoo, two have died (one during preparation for the export) and two were re-sold - despite promises to keep families together, which is vital to their physical and emotional welfare.

Adding to this, in violation to CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species) regulations and International Air Transport Association (IATA) transport guidelines, one of the exported elephants was pregnant.

At: https://www.iol.co.za/news/africa/us-to-import-baby-elephants-from-zimbabwe-despite-uproar-30494742

Tourists and elephants enjoy themselves at Zimbabwe's Nehimba Lodge.

The U.S. Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) confirmed possible elephant import by AZA members and others.

Unconfirmed reports from a reputable Zimbabwean source state that San Diego Zoo is likely to be one of the importers.