A federal appeals court has declined to block the transfer of two elephants from a zoo in Seattle to a new home in Oklahoma City.
A panel of the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Wednesday denied a motion to stop the move of the aging female elephants at Woodland Park Zoo to an Oklahoma City zoo.
Activists have said the long trip to Oklahoma would endanger the elephants' health and that their quality of life there would be worse than in Seattle. Their legal action is part of the broader debate about whether housing elephants in zoos is humane, with critics arguing the large animals need more space to roam than zoos can provide.
Woodland Park Zoo President Deborah Jensen said in a statement they were grateful for the court's decision and were focused on the elephants' welfare.
--------------------------------------
KGOU relies on voluntary contributions from readers and listeners to further its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond. To contribute to our efforts, make your donation online, or contact our Membership department.
