Pittsburgh Zoo Sued for “Grossly Inadequate” Conditions

Summary:

PITTSBURGH, PA – The operator and head of the Pittsburgh Zoo is facing a lawsuit filed by a Washington, D.C.-based animal rights nonprofit, Nonhuman Rights Project, which is asking for the release of the zoo’s elephants from captivity.

The lawsuit alleges that the elephants’ space at the Pittsburgh Zoo is “grossly inadequate.” It urges the court to release the animals to a sanctuary or consider them as a candidate for rewilding. Pittsburgh Zoo currently houses five elephants; Angeline, Victoria, and Zuri were all born into captivity at the zoo, and Savanna and Tasha, who were wild African Savannah elephants removed from their herds.

This past week, the zoo announced plans to improve herd dynamics and care for its elephants, saying sisters Victoria and Zuri will soon be heading to the zoo’s Conservation Center in Somerset County. “The Nonhuman Rights Project has submitted a habeas corpus petition demanding the right to liberty for five elephants held captive in the Pittsburgh Zoo. Leading experts in elephant cognition and behavior support this lawsuit. The elephants are suffering and need to be freed.”

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