Zoo elephant finally rescued after 35 year isolation
News
Mundi, an African elephant stolen from the wild as a young calf and has been suffering in isolation for the past 35-years.
Image credit: Elephant Aid International
After nearly a lifetime of isolation, cruel training, and exploitation for entertainment, Mundi now has a second chance at life.
Thanks to your support she has safely been transported to the Elephant Refuge North America sanctuary in Georgia, US.
Mundi was rescued from Mayaguez Zoo in Puerto Rico, that was ordered to shut down due to numerous failures to meet required animal welfare standards.
Because of you, Mundi will now spend the rest of her life at the refuge run by Elephant Aid International (EAI).
World Animal Protection staff look on as Mundi is carefully placed on the plane. Credit: Elephant Aid International
Dr. Jan Schmidt-Burbach, Head of Wildlife Research and Animal welfare at World Animal Protection said:
Seeing Mundi arrive safely is honestly a beautiful sight. For almost 35 years, Mundi has been on display at the zoo. She lived alone in a small enclosure with access only to a dark indoor shelter. That is no life for any wild animal. I hope Mundi gets to live out her remaining years with the freedom and care she deserves.
Mundi will be joining resident elephants Bo and Tarra, who are already under the care of the refuge.
Mundi is carefully placed in a 747 airplane from PuertoRico to Jacksonville, Florida. Credit: Elephant Aid International
Each elephant receives individual care, that considers past traumas and life-shaping experiences. The journey went smoothly, and care and time will be taken to allow Mundi to settle into her new surroundings, before potentially meeting the two other elephants.
Carol Buckley, Elephant Aid International Founder, President and CEO said:
We are thrilled that Mundi will be coming to live at Elephant Refuge North America and are grateful to World Animal Protection for joining us in her rescue. Mundi has suffered in captivity her entire life, and we look forward to caring for her and giving her the life she deserves.
Born in Zimbabwe in 1982, Mundi was brought into the USA by the millionaire Arthur Jones, after being orphaned following a government organized mass culling. Mundi, alongside another 62 elephants. She lived in Florida for two years and then was donated to the Mayaguez Zoo.
After facing numerous irregularities regarding the mistreatment of the animals in their care, the zoo lost its license by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in 2018.
Mundi at the Elephant Refuge North America sanctuary in Georgia, US. Credit: Elephant Aid International
Mundi’s rescue is part of a more extensive operation by Wild Animal Sanctuary to rehome all Mayaguez zoos’ animals to sanctuaries.
With you by our side, we’ll continue working to end the exploitation of wild animals for entertainment.
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