Activists argue for Burma's release in wake of Kashin's death

11 Aug 2010 07:19p.m.

Gay wrote:

Keep Burma here and send Hans Kriek to a sanctuary overseas

27 Nov 2009 07:38p.m.

Brittany wrote:

It appears some people don't quite understand elephants and the reasoning behind not allowing Asian and African elephants together. Just because they are the same "gender" and they don't know what country they are from does not mean we can expect them to be happy in eachothers company. The fact that African elephants carry a disease that can be fatal to current and future Asian elephants should be enough of a reason to not even consider housing them together. It would be a silly move.
I believe elephants should not be kept in zoos at all. They should be kept in large Conservation Parks. It has been researched thoroughly and has been found that African elephants live an average of 17 years in captivity compared to 56 years in a Wildlife Conservation Park and Asian elephants live 19 years in captivity and 42 years in a Wildlife Park. Also, Kashin died due to health problems, including arthritis, joint problems and recurring foot abcesses and toe problems. These are all common problems that captive elephants suffer from.
Burma is 40 years old, and probably doesn't have too many years ahead of her unfortunately. I think the best solution is to send them both to Wildlife Conservation Parks to live out the rest of their lives. Elephants don't belong in Zoos, good on SAFE for saving Jumbo from that horrible life.

02 Sep 2009 01:29p.m.

Vera wrote:

In response to Sara's point, the problem with the zoo's plan is that they're going to be breeding more elephants that will never be released into the wild, and are simply for captivity. Yes wild elephants have many modern dangers and it reinforces the fact that the real conservation needs to be of their natural habitat. The suggestion for Burma is to have elephant company without creating a bigger problem

01 Sep 2009 02:03p.m.

Vivienne wrote:

Relocating Jumbo to a wlidlife sanctuary would be the perfect solution but seemingly unaffordable. The Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, NSW suggestion put forward by Tembo sounds interesting and its proximity to New Zealand could make it very viable. Do you have any details on the size of the zoo compared with Auckland's Tembo or any further information? It may not be as ideal as a sanctuary but would be preferable to leaving her where she is and if it is cost-effective the public may well respond accordingly.

01 Sep 2009 10:15a.m.

Thesoundofprogress wrote:

Asian elephants and African elephants are very different creatures that carry different diseases, etc - putting them together would be like putting a lion and a tiger in the same enclosure because they're both 'cats'.

01 Sep 2009 09:44a.m.

Lane wrote:

I think the fact the Bruma is settled and has bonded with her carers and her environment should be taken into account as well. The upheaval of losing her friend Kashin and then being made to move would have a huge impact on her. If Auckland Zoo can enlarge the enclosure and if there is another elephant that requires a mate also, why would that not work? Yes Safe has the interest of animals in mind but in this day in age wild animals are nearly hunted to extinction so sometimes animals can't be always kept in their natural environment. I think Burma should stay where she is, she is loved and cared for there.

31 Aug 2009 08:54p.m.

Ella wrote:

Have we not just been discussing the fact that circus enslaved elephant Jumbo needs re-homing? If the zoo can afford to import elephants into New Zealand why can we as a nation not come up with the funds to send Jumbo to a wildlife sanctuary?

31 Aug 2009 07:36p.m.

June wrote:

I wonder if the two elephants would care what country they come from? Though I am sure the experts know best. My reasoning is, what have they got to lose???

31 Aug 2009 06:47p.m.

Viking wrote:

When are the people in power going to think more of animals than making money at their expense. Two lonely elephants that could enjoy each others company at least until more suitable homes and preferably a sanctury can be found for them. Jumbo and Burma are denied companionship through these peoples lack of compassion. Surely an African and an Asian elephant together would be alright as they are both the same gender.

31 Aug 2009 05:13p.m.

Toucan wrote:

If elephants DON'T walk kilometers a day they get leg problems, they eat so much they don't get it all in one place and roam as a way of life. the zoo can't meet their natural requirements